Nigeria completed a perfect run in Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after recording an emphatic 3-1 win over Uganda on the final matchday, a result that sent the Cranes crashing out of the competition. It marked Uganda’s first AFCON finals appearance since 2019 and ended in disappointment.
Already assured of finishing top of the group, Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle rang the changes, making eight alterations to the team that defeated Tunisia. However, the reshuffle had little effect on Nigeria’s dominance, as they controlled proceedings from the opening minutes. Only a poor connection from Samuel Chukwueze denied the Super Eagles an early goal after Moses Simon’s impressive run down the left flank.
Victor Osimhen was a constant threat throughout and created Nigeria’s first major chance when he surged forward and pulled the ball back for Paul Onuachu, whose close-range attempt was superbly kept out by experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Onyango’s resistance did not last long, as a low delivery from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru deflected off him and fell perfectly for Onuachu, who made no mistake in scoring his fourth goal for the national team.
Uganda struggled badly in the first half and failed to test Nigeria’s goalkeeper, with their chances of a comeback looking bleak. Nigeria continued to apply pressure after the break, with Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi both coming close to adding to the lead.
The game swung further in Nigeria’s favour when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who had replaced the injured Onyango at halftime, was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box while trying to stop Osimhen. Third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi was brought on, but Uganda’s problems only worsened.
Chukwueze then provided the assist for Raphael Onyedika, who drove into the penalty area and calmly finished past Alionzi. Moments later, the duo combined again, with Chukwueze setting up Onyedika to score Nigeria’s third goal of the night.
Uganda pulled one back late on through Rogers Mato, who chipped the ball neatly over Francis Uzoho, but the goal served only as a consolation on a tough evening for Paul Put’s team.
The loss saw Uganda finish bottom of Group C, eight points behind Nigeria, who move into the knockout phase with a 100 percent record and rising confidence following an impressive group-stage performance.
