Nigeria’s Super Eagles completed a flawless Group C campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, defeating Uganda 3–1 on Tuesday night in Fès.
Paul Onuachu’s goal and a brace from Raphael Onyedika inspired a convincing victory by a heavily rotated side, as Nigeria seal nine points in Group C, with a reshuffled squad, cruising past Uganda to set up Round of 16 clash.
Head coach Eric Chelle rang the changes following wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, but the Super Eagles showed no loss of cohesion, dominance or intent, finishing the group with maximum nine points from three matches as they heading into the knockout rounds.
Eric Chelle Rings the Changes, Eagles Control Early
With qualification already secured, Chelle opted to rest several regular starters. Paul Onuachu was handed a start ahead of Akor Adams, while Raphael Onyedika made his first appearance of the tournament in midfield.
Despite the changes, Nigeria controlled proceedings from the opening minutes.
As early as the 9th minute, Samuel Chukwueze tested the Ugandan defence after fine work from Moses Simon, only to see his effort strike the defensive wall. The Eagles continued to pour forward, pinning Uganda deep in their half.
In the 25th minute, a teasing pull-back by Chukwueze narrowly missed the towering Onuachu at the far post, signaling what was to come.
Paul Onuachu Breaks the Deadlock
Nigeria’s dominance was finally rewarded in the 28th minute.
Just two minutes after veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango had denied Onuachu with a point-blank save, the Trabzonspor striker made no mistake.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru delivered a precise pass from the left, and Onuachu connected perfectly to give Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
Uganda struggled to cope with Nigeria’s physical presence and movement, while Simon came close again late in the first half, his effort deflected after another wave of Nigerian pressure.
Second-Half Pressure and Turning Point
Uganda showed brief intent after the break, with Rogers Mato narrowly missing a good cross early in the second half. But Nigeria quickly regained control.
In the 51st minute, wing-back Bruno Onyemaechi came close, driving into the box before side-netting.
The decisive turning point arrived six minutes later. With Victor Osimhen, wearing the captain’s armband, bearing down on goal, substitute goalkeeper Salim Omar, who had replaced the injured Onyango, was sent off for punching the ball outside his area, leaving Uganda down to ten men.
Rafael Onyedika Takes Centre Stage
Nigeria’s Super Eagles wasted little time capitalising on their numerical advantage.
In the 62nd minute, Raphael Onyedika announced himself on the AFCON stage, meeting a perfectly weighted pass from Chukwueze to fire home Nigeria’s second goal.
Barely four minutes later, the duo combined again. Chukwueze slipped the ball through, and Onyedika, who plies his trade in Belgium, finished clinically to complete his brace and put the contest beyond doubt at 3–0.
Late Consolation for Uganda
Onuachu nearly added a second personal goal in the 70th minute, but his header sailed just over the bar.
Uganda, to their credit, continued to push and were rewarded in the 75th minute, when Rogers Mato finished off a flowing team move to pull one back and make it 3–1.
However, the goal did little to alter the outcome, as Nigeria comfortably saw out the closing stages.
Perfect Group Record and Knockout Implications
The victory ensured Nigeria finished top of Group C with nine points, setting up a Round of 16 clash against the third-placed team from Group F.
Potential opponents include:
The Round of 16 encounter will take place on Monday, 5 January, in Fès.
Tanzania Make History
Elsewhere in the group, Tanzania’s gutsy 1–1 draw with Tunisia secured a historic milestone, as the Taifa Stars reached the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in their history.
They will now face host nation Morocco in the Round of 16.
