UGANDA head coach Paul Put has acknowledged the strength of the Super Eagles of Nigeria but insisted his team will not be afraid to go to battle against the three-time African champions.

The Cranes are in the same group with the Super Eagles, Tunisia and Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco in December and January.

When asked to assess his team’s opponents, Put detailed what he expected from the Super Eagles and the others.

“Nigeria: They are a perennial powerhouse,” the Belgian told CAFOnline.com.

“There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience.

“Tunisia: They ate highly organized, technical, tactically astute. They are hard to break down but we will see.

“Tanzania: For our neighbours Tanzania they are a good mix of energy and familiarity — regional derbies are never easy.

“We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.”

Put, who led Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final where they lost to the Super Eagles in Johannesburg, South Africa, opened up on his target in Morocco.

“Ideally, we want to advance from the group. But first, we demand that our performances reflect modern football: balance, full engagement in all phases, and consistency,” the 69-year-old noted.

“If we can win respect among African heavyweights and secure knockout qualification, that’s a job well done.”

The 2025 AFCON is scheduled for December 21 to January 18 across six Moroccan cities.

The Super Eagles will face the Cranes in a Group C encounter in Fez on December 30.