Nigeria defeated Uganda 3-1 in their final group match on Tuesday evening, keeping their 100% record at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
The three-time winners won both of their first two matches in Group C, defeating Tanzania 2-1 and Tunisia 3-2 to book their spot in the knockout round of the tournament.
On Tuesday, head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to the starting lineup after calls for him to rest several regulars ahead of a grueling knockout schedule.
Paul Onuachu opened scoring in the first half after he was played in by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 28th minute.
Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango was substituted at halftime after he struggled with injuries during the first half, but his replacement lasted only 10 minutes on the pitch of play.
Salim Magoola stopped a goal-bound effort from Victor Osimhen with his hands outside the box, resulting in his sending off and the Cranes bringing on their third goalkeeper of the game.
The Super Eagles capitalized on their one-man advantage as Raphael Onyedika first scored with a brilliant finish, before the midfielder added a second effort following good work from Samuel Chukwueze.
Uganda pulled one back late in the game, but Nigeria held on for a first win in four against the Cranes and progress to the next round.
Many players impressed for the Super Eagles in the dominant performance and SportPremi takes a look at five of these players in this article.
1. Raphael Onyedika
There has been calls for the midfielder to gain minutes at the tournament and he rewarded his first start with the player of the match performance in the victory.
The Club Brugge player scored two brilliant goals and was very composed on the ball in the midfield areas.
His first was an excellent finish, gliding past a defender before firing through the legs of the goalkeeper, while his second also showed how clinical he could be.
His partnership with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru helped to shield the backline well against the threat posed by the Cranes in transition.
Eric Chelle has a lot to ponder after Onyedika’s performance and the midfielder is now certainly going to get more minutes in Morocco.
2. Paul Onuachu
Trabzonspor striker Onuachu earned a recall to the team ahead of the tournament after a while away and rewarded his first start in Morocco with a first half strike.
His positioning was excellent and he showed great communication with Osimhen upfront, while he was also a threat everytime he had the ball in the box.
3. Samuel Chukwueze
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze started in the win over Tanzania, but was dropped against Tunisia as Eric Chelle opted to shove up the midfield.
The Fulham forward returned this time around and gave two assists, both for Onyedika’s goals.
The first was a well-timed pass, but the second was even better. He beat two defenders and played a well-time pass to his teammate, who happily applied the finishing touch.
4. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Dele-Bashiru has enjoyed impressive cameos so far in Morocco and gave a good account of himself on his first start against Uganda.
The Lazio midfielder created the first goal for Onuachu, beating a defender and taking out the goalkeeper to allow the striker finish easily inside the net.
His midfield pairing with Onyedika proved to be very effective as Nigeria pressed well and won the ball back in high areas.
5. Victor Osimhen
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen surprisingly started against Uganda and was partnered with Onuachu in attack.
Despite the fact that he was not on the scoresheet, he was very impressive with his runs and dragged defenders away, which gave Onuachu space and time in the box
The Galatasaray striker was also the reason Uganda were a man down after the goalkeeper prevented his effort from going into the net with his hands outside the box.
