AFCON 2025: Uganda Coach Reveals How Difficult It Is Playing Against Nigeria

AFCON 2025: Uganda Coach Reveals How Difficult It Is Playing Against Nigeria

Sampson Adedeji

Uganda head coach Paul Put has admitted that facing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was a daunting task for his team, following their 3–1 defeat to the Super Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Cranes’ hopes of progressing to the round of 16 were ended after the loss to the three-time African champions, with Put acknowledging that Nigeria’s quality and experience made the encounter extremely challenging.

Speaking after the match, the Belgian tactician revealed that Uganda’s qualification hopes should not have hinged on the game against Nigeria.

“I think we shouldn’t have come looking for qualification facing Nigeria,” Put said.

 “We had the opportunity against Tanzania to qualify for the round of 16. If we had won that game, we wouldn’t have had the problem of facing Nigeria.”

Put also pointed to his squad’s lack of experience at this level, stressing that the pressure of playing a heavyweight like Nigeria affected his players.

“We were under pressure and you can’t blame the players because they don’t have the experience, so they were under pressure,” he explained.

The Uganda coach further praised the Super Eagles, describing them as one of the strongest teams in the competition.

“It’s always difficult facing Nigeria, who have a very good team,” Put added. “I don’t think we lost our qualification ticket to Nigeria; I think we lost our qualification ticket to Tanzania.”

Nigeria’s victory ensured they maintained a perfect record in the group, while Uganda exited the competition at the group stage.