afcon

AFCON Group C: Preview and Predictions

World Football December 23, 2025 79

AFCON Group C brings together four nations with very different profiles. Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania will battle for two knockout spots. On paper, this group favours the giants. In reality, surprises are never far away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

AFCON Group C overview

Nigeria (FIFA rank: 38)
Tunisia (FIFA rank: 41)
Uganda (FIFA rank: 85)
Tanzania (FIFA rank: 112)

Nigeria and Tunisia enter as favourites. Uganda and Tanzania arrive as underdogs with nothing to lose.

Nigeria: favourites to top AFCON Group C

Nigeria are the standout team in AFCON Group C. The Super Eagles combine experience, depth and elite attacking quality. Their squad is packed with Europe-based players from top leagues.

Victor Osimhen is the headline name. The Galatasaray striker is Nigeria’s main goal threat and a proven big-game player. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon provide pace and creativity from wide areas.

Midfield strength is another advantage. Wilfred Ndidi anchors the team with discipline and leadership. Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika offer energy and control.

Defensively, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi bring balance and physical presence. Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho give solid goalkeeping options.

Nigeria’s quality across all departments makes them the team to beat. Anything short of topping AFCON Group C would be a disappointment.

Nigeria prediction: 1st place, strong chance of reaching the latter stages.

Tunisia: Nigeria’s main challengers

Tunisia are ranked just behind Nigeria and remain one of Africa’s most consistent teams. They are tactically disciplined and difficult to break down.

Hannibal Mejbri adds creativity in midfield, while Ferjani Sassi provides experience and control. Naïm Sliti remains a key attacking outlet. Tunisia may not score freely, but they are efficient.

Their concern is attacking depth compared to Nigeria. Still, their organisation makes them favourites to qualify.

Tunisia prediction: 2nd place, likely qualification.

Uganda: dangerous outsiders

Uganda return to AFCON with renewed confidence. Their squad blends youth and experience, with players based across Europe, Africa and the USA.

Rogers Mato and Uche Ikpeazu are key attacking threats. Travis Mutyaba brings youthful energy in midfield. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango adds leadership.

Uganda may struggle against top teams, but they are capable of frustrating opponents. A draw could change their fate.

Uganda prediction: 3rd place, outside chance of qualification.

Tanzania: building for the future

Tanzania are the lowest-ranked side in AFCON Group C. Most of their squad plays domestically, with a few Europe-based talents like Mbwana Samatta and Novatus Miroshi.

They rely on team spirit and defensive organisation. Goals may be hard to come by against stronger opponents.

This tournament is likely a learning experience as they prepare for future AFCON campaigns.

Tanzania prediction: 4th place.

AFCON Group C predicted final standings

Nigeria
Tunisia
Uganda
Tanzania

Final word

AFCON Group C revolves around Nigeria. The Super Eagles have the best squad, the biggest stars and the highest expectations. Tunisia should follow them into the knockout stage, while Uganda and Tanzania will aim to cause at least one upset.

For Nigeria, this group is about sending a message early at AFCON 2025.