Nigeria wrapped up their group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a perfect record, sealing a dominant 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, SportPremi Reports.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring before Raphael Onyedika netted a brace after Uganda were reduced to 10 in the second half.
The Cranes grabbed a late consolation through Rogers Mato, but crashed out of the competition with just a single point after three matches.
The Super Eagles advanced to the next round on nine points, while Tunisia finished second with four points following their 1-1 draw against Tanzania, who finished third on two points.
First half: Onuachu puts Nigeria ahead
Uganda headed into the clash against a much-changed Nigerian side in search of a win to progress to the next round of the competition.
Francis Uzoho, Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu and Raphael Onyedika all came into the team for their first appearances at the tournament, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Paul Onuachu made their first start in Morocco.
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Wearing their white stripes for the first time in the tournament, the Super Eagles had the first sight of goal when Denis Onyango saved Victor Osimhen’s strike, although the offside flag was raised afterwards.
Paul Onuachu was also denied by Onyango after he was teed up by strike partner for the day Osimhen.
The Trabzonspor forward put Nigeria in front with his next attempt as he converted into an empty net from a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru pass.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles, while Uganda were one foot out of the AFCON tournament.
Second half: Onyedika punishes 10-man Uganda with two second half goals
Veteran goalkeeper Onyango who struggled with injury with most part of the first half came off at the interval, with Salim Magoola coming on for him.
The goalkeeper delivered a shocking performance and was sent off in the 56th minute after spending just 10 minutes on the pitch.
He stopped a goal-bound effort from Osimhen with his hands outside the 18-yard area, resulting in a straight red card.
Nigeria took advantage of their man advantage as Raphael Onyedika doubled their tally with a well-taken goal.
The Club Brugge midfielder collected a pass from Chukwueze in his stride and fired into the net through the legs of Nafian Alionzi.
The Super Eagles were 3-0 up five minutes later through the same combination that scored their second goal.
The impressive Chukwueze beat the first defender with a beautiful piece of skill and went past another defender before cutting back for Onyedika who slotted in easily into the corner.
Uganda grabbed a consolation through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute after a lapse in concentration by the Nigerian defence.
The game ended 3-1 in favour of Nigeria, who sealed a third straight win at the tournament.
Players Ratings:
Nigeria Players Ratings
- Uzoho – 6.6/10
The goalkeeper came in for Stanley Nwabali and was more calm in goal. However, there was nothing he could have done to prevent the Uganda goal.
- Alebiosu – 7.0/10
The right-back made his debut for the Super Eagles and was very decent, although he would need to do better when called upon against stronger oppositions.
- Ogbu – 7.1/10
The center-back had an impressive outing and helped against the threat of Uche Ikpeazu.
- Bassey – 6.7/10
Eric Chelle substituted the Fulham defender at half-time after he received an early caution, keeping the knockout rounds in mind.
- Onyemaechi – 7.1/10
The defender enjoyed another decent outing at left-back and has most likely sealed a starting berth at the position.
- Onyedika – 9.0/10
The player’s impressive performance in midfield rewarded calls for him to start. He took his two goals well and has put himself in contention for a place in the team in their next match.
- Dele-Bashiru – 7.6/10
Tasked with being the chief creator in the absence of Iwobi, the midfielder provided a brilliant assist for the first goal and was impressive overall.
- Moses Simon – 7.6/10
Injected pace into the attack and completed the most dribbles in the match (4).
- Chukwueze – 8.9/10
Came back into the lineup after he was dropped against Tunisia and provided the assists for both of Onyedika’s goals, including a stunning piece of skill for the second. He also created the most chances in the match (5).
- Osimhen – 7.3/10
Although he did not score, he enjoyed an impressive outing and was influential in the red card gotten by the Uganda goalkeeper in the second half.
- Onuachu – 7.7/10
The huge striker delivered his first goal for the Super Eagles since 2021 and was a threat everytime he got the ball in attack.
Substitutes
- Awaziem – 6.2/10
Came on in the second half and helped marshal the defence.
- Nnadi – 6.3/10
Got a few minutes to impress, but Nigeria were already leading and helped to keep the ball well.
- Sanusi – 6.5/10
Came on late and had little time to make an impact.
- Adams – N/A
Was brought in as Nigeria attempted to control the game.
Man of the match
Raphael Onyedika (9.0/10) – The midfielder grabbed a brace in a brilliant display to lead Nigeria to victory.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Uganda 28% – 72% Nigeria
Total Shots: Uganda 9 – 13 Nigeria
Shots on target: Uganda 1 – 6 Nigeria
Pass Accuracy: Uganda 75% – 92% Nigeria
Corners: Uganda 2 – 3 Nigeria
What Next?
Nigeria advance from Group C as winners and will now face either of the third-placed team from Group B or F in the round of 16 on the 5th of January, 2026.
