Group C brings a classic AFCON cocktail: two continental heavyweights in Nigeria and Tunisia, flanked by East Africa’s fiercely committed Uganda and Tanzania. Expect disciplined defending, razor-sharp transitions, and tight margins across fixtures as pedigreed favourites wrestle with stubborn challengers. Nigeria and Tunisia set the pace; Uganda and Tanzania arrive ready to disrupt it.
NIGERIA — The Super Eagles’ standard
Nigeria enter with expectation and edge: a squad stacked with European-based talent and a proven tournament temperament. Their threat profile is built on direct wide play, powerful forward lines, and set-piece efficiency. For the Super Eagles, Group C isn’t just about progress — it’s about establishing control early and imposing a title run narrative.
- AFCON pedigree: Three titles; perennial contenders
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Tanzania, Fes (1200) Dec 27 v Tunisia, Fes (1200), Dec 30 v Uganda, Fes (1700)
Qualifying: Group D winners
Results: Benin 3-0 home 1-1 away, Rwanda 1-2 0-0, Libya 1-0 3-0
Leading scorers: 2 - Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen
Captain: Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder
Coach: Eric Chelle (CIV)
Rankings: 5 Africa, 38 world
Previous appearances: 20
Best placing: Champions 1980, 1994, 2013
Most goals scored: DR Congo 4-2 (1976), Burkina Faso 4-2 (1978), Tunisia 4-2 (2000), South Africa 4-0 (2004), Mali 4-1 (2013)
Most goals conceded: Egypt 3-6 (1963)
Popular name: Super Eagles
TUNISIA — Carthage Eagles’ clinical assurance
Tunisia carry a reputation for control:compact structures, risk-managed possession, and ruthless exploitation of moments. Their consistency across AFCON cycles makes them hard to rattle, especially in cagey group games. Expect Tunisia to squeeze space, punish errors, and turn small advantages into decisive points.
- AFCON pedigree: Champions in 2004; serial qualifiers
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Uganda, Rabat (1430), Dec 27 v Nigeria, Fes (1200), Dec 30 v Tanzania, Rabat (1700)
Qualifying: Group A runners-up
Results: Comoros 0-1 home 1-1 away, Gambia 0-1 2-1, Madagascar 1-0 3-2
Leading scorer: 2 - Ali Abdi
Captain: Ferjani Sassi, midfielder
Coach: Sami Trabelsi (TUN)
Rankings: 6 Africa, 40 world
Previous appearances: 21
Best placing: Champions 2004
Most goals scored: Ethiopia 4-0 (1965), Zambia 4-2 (1996), Zambia 4-1 (2006), Zimbabwe 4-2 (2017), Mauritania 4-0 (2022)
Most goals conceded: Ethiopia 2-4 (1962), Ethiopia 2-4 (1963), Nigeria 2-4 (2000)
Popular name: Carthage Eagles
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UGANDA — The Cranes’ uncompromising bite
Uganda bring collective grit and a defensive spine that frustrates favourites. Their route to points is built on intensity, second-ball wins, and counters that catch opponents over-committing. In a group where fine margins matter, Uganda’s refusal to yield will force every opponent into 90-minute battles.
- AFCON profile: Emerging presence with rising belief
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Tunisia, Rabat (1430), 27 v Tanzania, Rabat (1430), 30 v Nigeria, Fes (1700)
Qualifying: Group K runners-up
Results: South Africa 0-2 home 2-2 away, Congo Brazzaville 2-0 1-0 South Sudan 1-0 2-1
Leading scorer: 2 - Denis Omedi
Captain: Khalid Aucho, midfielder
Coach: Paul Put (BEL)
Rankings: 17 Africa, 85 world
Previous appearances: 7
Best placing: Runners-up 1978
Most goals scored: Congo 3-1, Morocco 3-0 (both 1978)
Most goals conceded: Algeria 0-4 (1968)
Popular name: Cranes
TANZANIA — Taifa Stars’ fearless ambition
Tanzania’s growth curve is steep and spirited. They press with courage, keep lines tight, and hunt for overloads in wide channels. Against giants, their best football leans on tempo shifts and opportunism — exactly the kind that produces shocks in tournament groups.
- AFCON profile: Building experience, sharpening identity
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Nigeria, Fes (1200), Dec 27 v Uganda, Rabat (1430), Dec 30 v Tunisia, Rabat (1700)
Qualifying: Group H runners-up
Results: Democratic Republic of Congo 0-2 home 0-1 away, Guinea 1-0 2-1, Ethiopia 0-0 2-0
Leading scorers: 2 - Simon Msuva, Feisal Salum
Captain: Mbwana Samatta, forward
Coach: Miguel Gamondi (ARG)
Rankings: 27 Africa, 112 world
Previous appearances: 3
Best placing: Never past first round
Most goals scored: Kenya 2-3 (2019)
Most goals conceded: Kenya 2-3, Algeria 0-3 (both 2019), Morocco 0-3 (2024)
Popular name: Taifa Stars
Group dynamics and stakes
- Favourites: Nigeria and Tunisia — depth, pedigree, and repeatability of performances.
- Wild cards: Uganda and Tanzania — tenacity, transitions, and set-piece value.
Group stage runs through late December, with the top two and potentially a third-placed team advancing into knockout football where control and composure are paramount.
Group C is where certainty meets persistence. Nigeria and Tunisia know how to navigate tournaments; Uganda and Tanzania know how to make that navigation uncomfortable. Expect tight scorelines, high emotional stakes, and the kind of late-game drama that defines AFCON folklore.