The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has placed the Super Eagles in Group C alongside familiar adversaries — Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. As Nigeria prepares for the tournament, Completesports.com’s Augustine Akhilomen highlights 15 key facts about these Group C opponents.
TUNISIA
1. 21 AFCON Appearances
Tunisia made its AFCON debut in 1962, defeating Uganda 3-0 to win the third-place match. Since then, the Carthage Eagles have competed in the tournament 21 times, playing 83 matches, recording 25 wins, 30 draws, and 28 losses, scoring 100 goals and conceding 97.
2. One AFCON Title from Three Final Appearances
Tunisia has reached the AFCON final on three occasions—1965, 1996, and 2004. Their only triumph came in 2004 when they defeated Morocco 2-1 to lift the trophy.
3. One Win in Six AFCON Meetings with Nigeria
The Carthage Eagles have faced the Super Eagles six times at AFCON, winning only once and losing four. Their most recent encounter ended in Tunisia’s favour in the Round of 16 at the 2021 tournament.
4. Second-Place Finish in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
Tunisia booked their AFCON 2025 ticket by finishing second in Group A of the qualifiers with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two defeats. They trailed group winners Comoros, who topped the standings with 12 points, while Gambia and Madagascar completed the group.
5. FIFA Ranking – 52nd
As of the latest FIFA rankings released in December 2024, Tunisia is ranked 52nd in the world.
UGANDA
6. Seven AFCON Appearances
Uganda made its AFCON debut in 1962 in Ethiopia. The tournament featured just four teams, with Uganda losing 2-1 to Egypt in the semi-finals before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia in the third-place match. Since then, the Cranes have participated in the competition seven times.
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7. One AFCON Silver Medal
Uganda’s best AFCON performance came in 1978 when they reached the final but lost 2-0 to Ghana.
8. Two Wins in Five AFCON Clashes with Nigeria
Since their first AFCON meeting in 1978, Uganda and Nigeria have faced off five times, with Uganda winning twice, losing twice, and drawing once.
9. Second-Place Finish in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
Uganda secured their AFCON 2025 berth by finishing as runners-up in their qualifying group, just one point behind South Africa. Their campaign was highlighted by a crucial 2-2 draw in Johannesburg, showcasing the tactical discipline and resilience of coach Paul Put’s team.
10. FIFA Ranking – 88th
In the latest FIFA rankings (December 2024), Uganda is placed 88th in the world.
TANZANIA
11. Three AFCON Appearances
Tanzania made their AFCON debut in 1980, exiting in the group stage with just one point. That tournament, hosted by Nigeria, saw Tanzania lose 3-1 to the Super Eagles. The Taifa Stars have since made two more appearances—in 2019 and 2023.
12. Group-Stage Exits in All AFCON Appearances
Tanzania has never progressed beyond the AFCON group stage. They finished bottom of their group in 1980 with one point, in 2019 with no points, and in 2023 with two points.
13. No Wins Against Nigeria at AFCON
Tanzania has faced Nigeria three times at AFCON, losing twice and drawing once.
14. Second-Place Finish in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
The Taifa Stars clinched their AFCON 2025 qualification by finishing second in their group. Their campaign was marked by back-to-back wins against Guinea and Ethiopia, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Guinea, courtesy of Saimon Happygod Msuva’s decisive goal.
15. FIFA Ranking – 106th
Tanzania is ranked 106th in the latest FIFA rankings (December 2024).
