Super Eagles Overpower Uganda to Finish AFCON Group Stage Unbeaten
Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their impressive march at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, recording a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda at the Complexe Sportif de Fes to complete the group stage with a perfect nine points from three matches.
Already guaranteed top spot in Group C before the final fixture, head coach Eric Chelle nonetheless demanded intensity and discipline from his players, making eight changes to the starting line-up while maintaining a clear tactical structure. The decision to rotate paid off handsomely, as Nigeria once again demonstrated their strength in depth, adaptability and growing confidence heading into the knockout phase of the continental showpiece.
Victor Osimhen, deployed as captain, led the line with authority, setting the tone for a Super Eagles side that combined experience, youthful energy and tactical balance.
Uganda starts with Urgency as Nigeria remains Patient
Knowing that only a win would preserve their hopes of progressing, Uganda approached the encounter with urgency and intent. The Cranes pressed high in the early stages, attempting to disrupt Nigeria’s build-up play and force mistakes in midfield.
Despite Uganda’s energy, Nigeria remained composed, circulating possession intelligently and waiting for openings. The midfield trio controlled tempo, while the backline absorbed pressure comfortably, ensuring goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was rarely tested in the opening exchanges.
Onuachu Opens the Scoring, Turning Point Emerges
Nigeria’s patience was rewarded in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu broke the deadlock. The Trabzonspor striker reacted sharply inside the penalty area to finish clinically after missing a clear chance moments earlier, making amends and putting Nigeria firmly in control.
The goal proved a psychological blow for Uganda, which had defended resolutely up to that point. Matters worsened shortly afterwards when their most influential player, goalkeeper Denis Onyango, sustained an injury that would ultimately alter the complexion of the match.
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Onyango Injury Sparks Chain of Setbacks
Onyango, one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers and a key figure in Uganda’s qualification campaign, appeared to twist his ankle on the uneven turf behind his goal while attempting to recover from an earlier save. The 40-year-old received lengthy treatment and bravely continued until half-time, but his movement was clearly restricted.
The veteran shot-stopper, who came out of international retirement to represent Uganda at this tournament, was withdrawn at the interval as part of a triple substitution by coach Paul Put. His departure marked the beginning of a disastrous spell for the East Africans.
Red Card Shatters Uganda’s Resistance
Uganda’s hopes of mounting a second-half response were dealt a crushing blow just 11 minutes after the restart. Replacement goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling the ball outside his area while attempting to prevent Victor Osimhen from scoring with an audacious lob.
The straight red card reduced Uganda to 10 men and forced them to introduce third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi, leaving the Cranes exposed against a confident Nigerian side brimming with attacking options.
Onyedika Takes Control as Nigeria Asserts Dominance
With the numerical advantage secured, Nigeria increased the tempo and pinned Uganda deep inside their own half. The pressure eventually paid off in the 60th minute when Raphael Onyedika doubled Nigeria’s lead.
The Club Brugge midfielder timed his run perfectly to latch onto a precise pass and finished low into the corner, highlighting Nigeria’s fluid attacking patterns and intelligent off-the-ball movement.
Five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, reacting quickest inside the box to fire home Nigeria’s third goal. The brace capped an outstanding individual performance and underlined the Super Eagles’ ability to punish opponents once defensive organisation breaks down.
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Uganda Show Spirit with Late Consolation
Despite being outnumbered and outplayed, Uganda continued to search for a goal and was eventually rewarded in the 75th minute. Allan Okello split Nigeria’s defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing Rogers Mato to make a diagonal run before calmly chipping the ball over the advancing Francis Uzoho.
The goal served as a reminder of Uganda’s resilience and attacking intent, even in difficult circumstances. For Nigeria, it represented a rare lapse in concentration, denying them what would have been their first clean sheet of the tournament.
Nigeria Make AFCON History, Focus Shifts to Knockouts
At the final whistle, Nigeria’s achievement was emphatic. The Super Eagles became the first team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to win all three of their group matches, a feat that reflects both consistency and tactical discipline.
Chelle’s rotation policy has now provided valuable minutes to squad players while preserving key starters for the knockout rounds. The blend of defensive solidity, midfield control and attacking efficiency positions Nigeria as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
The Super Eagles will remain in Fes for their round-of-16 clash, where they are scheduled to face the third-placed team from Group F — with Mozambique, Cameroon or Ivory Coast all possible opponents.
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Uganda Exit, Onyango’s Painful Farewell
For Uganda, the defeat confirmed their exit from the competition and extended their winless run at the Africa Cup of Nations to six matches since 2019. The circumstances of their elimination were particularly cruel for Onyango, whose injury-forced withdrawal marked a sombre end to what may be his final AFCON appearance.
While the Cranes showed flashes of quality, disciplinary issues, injuries and a lack of cutting edge ultimately proved costly on the continental stage.
Super Eagles Send Statement of Intent
As the tournament progresses into its decisive phase, Nigeria’s perfect group-stage record sends a clear message to its rivals. With depth across all departments, tactical flexibility and growing confidence, the Super Eagles have laid down a strong marker in their quest for continental glory.