Nigeria may already be through to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but there will be no room for complacency when the Super Eagles face Uganda in their final Group A fixture.
Eric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad with qualification secured, yet the stakes remain high.
Uganda need a win to keep their fading hopes alive, while Nigeria must protect momentum, rhythm and authority ahead of the round of 16. Fielding a weakened side would invite pressure, risk disruption and undermine the competitive edge Chelle has carefully built.
Instead, the Nigerian coach is likely to strike a careful balance: fresh legs blended with leadership, tactical discipline and individual quality. Within that equation, several players stand out, footballers whose presence could shape the contest and lift the standard of Nigeria’s performance.
Here are five Super Eagles stars to watch against Uganda.
Super Eagles star: Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey has quietly become Nigeria’s defensive constant, and arguably the most reliable outfield performer of the past year.
The Fulham centre-back has now played every minute of Nigeria’s last 12 matches, and his authority has been unmistakable throughout AFCON 2025. Against Tanzania and Tunisia, Bassey combined raw physical power with increasing tactical maturity: stepping out to intercept, dominating aerial duels and constantly organising the defensive line.
With Semi Ajayi expected to be rested, Bassey may partner either Chidozie Awaziem or Igoh Ogbu. Whoever lines up beside him will benefit from Bassey’s presence. Nigeria have conceded three goals in two games, but few of those issues can be traced to him. His concentration, intensity and front-foot defending have remained consistent.
More than anything, Bassey is leading. At 26, he looks every inch the defensive pillar Nigeria could build around for the next decade.
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Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi arrived at AFCON 2025 carrying questions. He has responded with answers.
Now wearing the captain’s armband following William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement, Ndidi has rediscovered the sharpness and authority that once defined his peak years. Against Tanzania and Tunisia, he dominated midfield duels, broke up opposition build-up and shielded the defence with discipline and timing.
He even scored his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles against Tunisia. This is the Ndidi Nigeria have missed: combative, focused and decisive.
Though he is one booking away from suspension, Chelle may still rely on his captain to guide the team through what could be a tricky evening. Remove Ndidi’s influence and Nigeria’s midfield loses its spine.
Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi. Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesxIMAGO
Few players in the Super Eagles squad offer the blend of intelligence, versatility and technical clarity that Alex Iwobi brings.
At AFCON 2025, he has been quietly outstanding. Against Tanzania, the Fulham midfielder ran the game, producing two assists in a Man of the Match performance.
Against Tunisia, he dropped deeper and thrived again, dictating tempo and connecting defence to attack with calm authority.
Iwobi’s movement between the lines, press resistance and eye for the decisive pass have given Nigeria fluency in possession. His perfectly weighted through ball to Victor Osimhen in the build-up to Nigeria’s third goal against Tunisia showed his vision and value.
There is no true like-for-like replacement for him in this squad. How far Nigeria go in this tournament may depend on how consistently Iwobi continues to knit everything together.
Paul Onuachu
With Victor Osimhen expected to be rested, Paul Onuachu has a golden opportunity to stake his claim.
The Trabzonspor striker arrives in Morocco in strong form and impressed during a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt. Against Uganda, his profile offers something different: height, physical dominance and intelligent hold-up play.
Onuachu’s ability to pin defenders, bring runners into play and attack crosses could trouble Uganda’s back line. At 6ft 7in, he presents a tactical alternative that Nigeria rarely exploit fully.
This is a chance not just to deputise, but to demand consideration. Expect Onuachu to approach it with hunger, and to make life deeply uncomfortable for his markers.
Moses Simon
Overshadowed by Ademola Lookman’s brilliance, Moses Simon has remained on the fringes at this AFCON, but his moment may now arrive.
With Lookman likely to be rested, Simon could reclaim the left flank, a position where his pace, dribbling and creativity can stretch any defence. When confident, Simon is direct, unpredictable and capable of producing goals from nothing.
Against Uganda, his motivation will be clear. This is an audition; a chance to remind Chelle that he remains a weapon, not a luxury. If he finds rhythm early, Uganda’s full-backs could be in for a long night.
