With Nigeria already safely through to the Round of 16 after hard-fought victories over Tanzania (2-1) and Tunisia (3-2), the Malian tactician is prioritizing the long-term fitness and availability of his key personnel.
The "Yellow Card" Danger
The primary motivation behind the expected rotation is the looming threat of suspensions. Super Eagles talismans Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—who have been instrumental in Nigeria’s perfect start—are both currently on yellow cards. Under CAF regulations, a second booking in the final group game would rule them out of the crucial Round of 16 clash.
"This is a competition for the whole squad, not just the starting eleven," Chelle told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "We have high expectations, and part of managing those expectations is being smart with our resources. We want to win every game, but we must also project ourselves into the next round with our best players available."
Managing Fatigue and Injuries
Beyond the suspension risks, the technical crew is also monitoring the fitness of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been nursing a minor knee injury. Fans can expect to see Francis Uzoho potentially making his first start of the tournament between the sticks.
Midfield workhorse Wilfred Ndidi and defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are also among the candidates to be rested. This opens the door for fringe players and hungry youngsters, such as Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke, to prove their worth on the continental stage.
Eyes on the Perfect Record
Despite the planned changes, Chelle remains adamant that the Super Eagles are not taking Uganda lightly. A win today would see Nigeria finish the group stage with a maximum 9 points for the first time since the 2021 edition.
Uganda, meanwhile, must fight for their lives. Currently sitting at the bottom of Group C with just 1 point, the Cranes need a historic victory against the three-time champions to have any hope of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
The match is scheduled for 5:00 PM (WAT) and will be the final test for Nigeria before the high-stakes knockout phase begins.