With the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco fast approaching, Uganda Head Coach Paul Put has thrown down the gauntlet to their Group C opponents, stating unequivocally that his team will not be intimidated by the star-studded squad of the Nigerian Super Eagles.
The Cranes find themselves in a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania. Despite the daunting task of navigating such heavyweights, the Belgian tactician expressed a clear sense of confidence and national pride.
Speaking in an official interview, Coach Put acknowledged the undeniable quality of Nigeria, the runners-up of the last AFCON edition.
Coach Paul Put: “Nigeria: They are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience. We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.”
Put, who famously coached Burkina Faso to the AFCON final in 2013 (where they lost to Nigeria), emphasized that the focus for the Cranes is on teamwork, discipline, and mental fortitude, urging his players to prioritize the collective performance over individual brilliance.
The Ugandan Cranes, making their eighth appearance at the tournament, are aiming to advance from the group stage for the first time in decades. Their clash against the Super Eagles, slated as the final group fixture on December 30th, is expected to be a pivotal match that will test the resolve of both sides.
