Nigeria, Dec. 30 -- As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) edges into its first decisive phase, Nigeria and Uganda approach Tuesday's Group C finale from sharply contrasting emotional and tactical positions.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are already assured of progression into the next phase after victories over Tanzania and Tunisia.

Qualification secured, confidence flowing, and rotation firmly on the table, all the classic ingredients for a potentially awkward final group match.

For Uganda Cranes, however, this is survival football.

The Cranes must get a result to keep their knockout hopes alive. There will be no holding back, no calculations; only urgency, aggression and belief. That imbalance in motivation can be dangerous. AFCON hist...