Nigeria wrapped up a flawless Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda on matchday three, condemning the Cranes to an early exit in their first AFCON finals appearance since 2019.
Having already secured top spot in the group, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle made eight changes from the side that beat Tunisia. Despite the rotation, Nigeria’s depth shone through as they dominated the opening exchanges, with only a mis-kick from Samuel Chukwueze preventing an early breakthrough after fine work down the left by Moses Simon.
Victor Osimhen remained a constant menace and carved out Nigeria’s first clear opening when he burst down the right and cut the ball back for Paul Onuachu, whose point-blank effort was brilliantly saved by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
The Ugandan captain could do little moments later, though, as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s low cutback ricocheted off Onyango and fell kindly for Onuachu to tap home his fourth international goal.
Uganda failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, and with none of their previous 14 matches producing more than 2.5 goals, hopes of a comeback looked slim at the interval. Nigeria continued to press after the restart, with Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi both going close to extending the lead.
The contest tilted decisively in Nigeria’s favour when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who had replaced the injured Onyango at half-time, was sent off for handling outside the penalty area while attempting to block an Osimhen effort. Third-choice keeper Nafian Alionzi was introduced, but Uganda’s misfortune deepened soon after.
Chukwueze set up Raphael Onyedika, who burst into the box and coolly finished through Alionzi’s legs to double Nigeria’s advantage. The same combination then struck again as Chukwueze beat his marker and picked out Onyedika in space, with the midfielder calmly slotting home Nigeria’s third.
Uganda managed a late consolation when Rogers Mato produced a delightful chipped finish over Francis Uzoho, but it proved little more than a footnote on a difficult night for Paul Put’s side.
The defeat meant Uganda finished bottom of Group C, eight points behind Nigeria, who advance to the knockout stages with maximum points and growing confidence after an impressive group-stage.
