Uganda Cranes Striker Issues Bold AFCON 2025 Message to Nigeria and Co

Uganda Cranes Striker Issues Bold AFCON 2025 Message to Nigeria and Co

Uganda Cranes Striker Issues Bold AFCON 2025 Message to Nigeria and Co

Abigael Wafula 13:39 - 19.12.2025

Melvyn Lorenzen expressed confidence that the Uganda Cranes can challenge Nigeria and their other Group C rivals at AFCON 2025.

Ugandan striker Melvyn Lorenzen has sent a clear message of intent to Nigeria and their other Group C rivals ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, with host nation Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The official draw has placed former champions Nigeria and Tunisia in a challenging Group C alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Tanzania's Taifa Stars, while the Cranes of Uganda are set to face Tunisia's Carthage Eagles on December 23.

In the final round of group stage matches on December 30, Uganda will take on the Super Eagles, and Tanzania will play Tunisia.

Melvyn Lorenzen Confident in Uganda Cranes' Abilities

Melvyn Lorenzen, who plays his club football in Thailand, was recently named in head coach Paul Put's 28-man squad for the tournament, as confirmed by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). The striker expressed his pride in representing his country on such a major stage.

While he has only recently rejoined the national team setup, Lorenzen stated that he has been closely following the team's progress.

He voiced strong confidence in the Cranes' capacity to compete against any opponent, including the continent's top-ranked teams.

“It is the biggest competition we would be playing, and we're excited. I think it [AFCON] is one of the biggest football competitions in the world, and it is a dream to represent your country,” he told FUFA.

“We are in a tough group, and I think our goal should be to go for the group stages and see from there. It's not going to be easy, but we have a good team, so we'll see.

“Even against the big teams, we've always had good results, we never went under, and we always show ourselves in the good light. I think any team that comes won't be comfortable playing us, so it's time to prove that again.”

Tanzania Announces Squad for Nigeria Opener

In related news, Tanzania has also revealed its 28-man roster for the tournament. Head coach Miguel Gamondi has opted for a squad dominated by domestic talent, with 19 players currently active in the Tanzanian Premier League, as they prepare to face Nigeria in their opening fixture.