Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, has expressed strong confidence in his team’s chances ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the Cranes will not be mere participants when they face Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania in Group C of the tournament slated for Morocco.
The competition will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with Uganda drawn into one of the most competitive groups. Despite the challenge, Put, who previously guided Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final against Nigeria, believes his players have what it takes to surprise their opponents and make a statement on the continental stage.
The Belgian tactician, who has managed several African teams in his career, emphasized that his side respects Nigeria’s pedigree but will not be overawed by it.
According to him, “Nigeria are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad, with top talent and European experience. We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.”
Put also noted that his ultimate goal is to see Uganda advance from the group, but more importantly, he wants the team’s displays to reflect discipline, teamwork, and the standards of modern football. He stated that progress will come through structure, commitment, and consistency in performance rather than luck or emotion.
Uganda will open their campaign against Tunisia on December 23, before facing Tanzania. Their final group match against Nigeria is scheduled for December 30 at the Fez Sports Complex. These fixtures will test the Cranes’ resilience and readiness to compete at the highest level, especially against nations with strong AFCON traditions.
The Super Eagles, aiming for their fourth continental crown, will look to bounce back from their heartbreak in Ivory Coast, where they lost 2–1 to the hosts in the final of the previous edition. Nigeria remains one of the favorites for the title, boasting a squad filled with Europe-based stars known for their pace, skill, and physicality.
For the Cranes, this will be their eighth AFCON appearance. Their best outing came in 1978, when they reached the final but fell short against Ghana. Since then, Uganda has been rebuilding and investing in local talent development to bridge the gap with Africa’s elite football nations.
Preparations are already underway, with the team set to begin a closed training camp in Morocco next month, followed by a series of friendly matches before the tournament kicks off. The camp will focus on tactical drills, improving squad depth, and building chemistry among players. With the right mindset and preparation, Put believes Uganda can rise above expectations and make their nation proud when the AFCON begins.
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