The Super Eagles maintained an unbeaten run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming 10-man Uganda 3-1 in their final Group C game at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.
Nigeria wasted no time to announce their intent as Victor Osimhen’s shot was parried away by the Uganda goalkeeper, Denis Onyango in the 1st minute, only to be flagged offside by the referee.
Despite the Super Eagles’ early pressing, the Cranes later found their way into the game and had two goal-scoring opportunities from Uche Ikpeazu, which failed to threaten Francis Uzoho.
The Super Eagles almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Osimhen squared a pass to Onuachu, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. A few minutes later, Nigeria took the lead thanks to a beautiful cutback from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to Onuachu, who calmly slotted the ball straight into the net.
In the 38th minute, Simon Moses, who has been mesmerizing from the left flank, provided an assist to Onuachu, but he tried to lay a pass to Osimhen in the 18-yard box, only for his ball to be deflected by a Ugandan defender.
Uganda commenced the second half at a fast pace as Ikpeazu’s dangerous cross into the 18-yard box was cleared away by Awaziem.
The Nantes defender had the chance to put the Super Eagles two goals ahead after a corner kick was flown in, but he failed to connect properly with the ball. A few minutes later, Bruno Onyeamechi’s long-range shot did not threaten the Uganda goalkeeper.
The Uganda substitute goalkeeper was sent off in the 56th minute after he came out of his 18-yard box to block Osimhen’s goal-bound effort with his hand.
The Super Eagles extended their lead in the 62nd minute thanks to an excellent finish from Raphael Onyedika after receiving a through pass from Chukwueze.
In the 67th minute, Nigeria took the game beyond the reach of Uganda after Chukwueze’s dazzling skills whistled past a Uganda defender before passing the ball to Onyedika to slot the ball straight into the net.
However, Uganda pulled one back in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato’s lovely chip over Uzoho to give the team a consolation goal.
All efforts to pull a surprise comeback proved abortive as the Super Eagles picked the maximum three points and a perfect winning record in Group C.
MATCH STATISTICS
Nigeria 3-1 Uganda
GOAL SCORERS: NIGERIA
Paul Onuachu
(28 min)
Raphael Onyedika
(62, 67 min)
GOAL SCORER: UGANDA
Rogers Mato
(75 min)
LINE-UP: NIGERIA
Francis Uzoho
Igoh Ogbu
Victor Osimhen
Fisayo Dele-Bashirn
Samuel Chukwueze
Bruno, Moses Simon
Raphael Onyedika
Paul Onuachu
Calvin Bassey
Ryan Alebiousu
SUBSTITUTES
Chidozie Awaziem
(Calvin Bassey, 45 min)
Zaidu Sanusi
(Bruno, 77 min)
Tochukwu Nadi
(Paul Onuachu, 77 min)
Akor Adams
(Victor Osimhen, 86 min)
Salim Lawal
(Samuel Chukwueze, 92 min)
HEAD COACH: Eric Chelle
LINE-UP: UGANDA
Denis Onyango
Kenneth Semakula
Toby Sibbick
Jordan Obita
Aziz Kayondo
Bobosi Byaruhanga
Travis Mutyaba
Baba Alhassan
Denis Omedi
Uche Ikpeazu
Rogers Mato
SUBSTITUTES
Steven Mukwala
(Travis Mutyaba, 45 min)
Allan Okello
(Denis Omedi, 45 min)
Salim Jamal Magoola
(Denis Onyango, 45 min)
Legason Nafiani Alionzi
(Baba Alhassan, 59 min)
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