iDeemlawfulNigeria completed a perfect Group C outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 3-1 win over Uganda on matchday three, sending the Cranes crashing out in their first AFCON finals appearance since 2019.
With top spot already secured, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle rang in eight changes from the team that defeated Tunisia. The reshuffle did little to slow Nigeria’s momentum, as they controlled the early stages, with Samuel Chukwueze’s mis-kick denying them an early goal after impressive play down the left by Moses Simon.
Victor Osimhen remained a persistent threat and fashioned Nigeria’s first real chance when he surged down the right before pulling the ball back for Paul Onuachu, whose close-range strike was superbly kept out by experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Moments later, Onyango was helpless as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s low cross deflected off him and dropped invitingly for Onuachu, who tapped in to register his fourth international goal.
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Uganda failed to record a single shot on target before the break, and with none of their previous 14 matches yielding more than 2.5 goals, a comeback always appeared unlikely. Nigeria resumed after the interval with renewed intent, as Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi both threatened to add to the tally.
The game swung decisively Nigeria’s way when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who replaced the injured Onyango at half-time, was dismissed for handling outside the area while trying to stop an Osimhen strike. Third-choice keeper Nafian Alionzi came on, but Uganda’s woes soon deepened.
Chukwueze teed up Raphael Onyedika, who drove into the box and calmly finished between Alionzi’s legs to make it two. The duo combined again shortly after, as Chukwueze beat his marker and found Onyedika in space, with the midfielder coolly slotting home Nigeria’s third.
Watch match highlights below…
Uganda grabbed a late consolation through Rogers Mato, who delicately chipped Francis Uzoho, but it did little to alter the narrative of a tough evening for Paul Put’s side.
The result saw Uganda finish bottom of Group C, eight points adrift of Nigeria, who march into the Round of 16 with maximum points and rising confidence following a commanding group-stage performance.