Nigeria sealed a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, defeating Uganda 3–1 to finish top of Group C with maximum nine points and underline their title credentials.
Goals from Raphael Onyedika, who struck twice, and Paul Onuachu powered the Super Eagles to a commanding victory at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, despite head coach José Peseiro resting several first-team regulars after qualification had already been secured.
The result sent Uganda crashing out of the tournament, while Nigeria marched confidently into the Round of 16 as one of the most convincing sides of the group phase.
Onuachu Ends Goal Drought as Nigeria Dominate
Nigeria controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, dictating possession and tempo against an Ugandan side that struggled to cope with the Eagles’ movement and physicality.
Paul Onuachu, who had missed a clear chance earlier in the first half, finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dazzled down the left flank before delivering a perfectly weighted pass for the towering striker to finish clinically, marking Onuachu’s first goal for Nigeria since 2021.
The Super Eagles continued to press for more, with Victor Osimhen’s pace and presence constantly troubling the Ugandan defence.
Uganda Reduced to 10 Men, Nigeria Capitalise
Uganda’s situation worsened in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area to deny Osimhen a clear scoring opportunity. The dismissal forced Uganda to bring on their third goalkeeper, Nafian Alionzi, after an earlier injury to first-choice keeper Denis Onyango.
Nigeria wasted no time exploiting their numerical advantage. In the 62nd minute, Raphael Onyedika collected a pass from Samuel Chukwueze and drilled a low shot through the legs of the replacement goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, calmly side-footing home after another incisive assist from Chukwueze, effectively putting the game beyond Uganda’s reach
Late Consolation Fails to Dim Nigeria’s Shine
Uganda managed a late consolation goal 15 minutes from time when Rogers Mato capitalised on a brief lapse in concentration by the Nigerian defence, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper after being set up by Allan Okello.
However, the goal did little to alter the overall narrative of Nigeria’s dominance, as the Super Eagles comfortably saw out the match to maintain a 100 percent record in the group stage.
Group C Standings and Tanzania’s Historic Qualification
Nigeria finished first in Group C with nine points, followed by Tunisia with four points. Tanzania, despite finishing third, progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history as one of the four best third-placed teams, after a 1–1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat.
Feisal Salum’s powerful second-half strike cancelled out Ismael Gharbi’s first-half penalty for Tunisia, securing Tanzania’s passage to the Round of 16 — a historic milestone, 45 years after their AFCON debut.
Nigeria Send Strong Message to Rivals
Having reached the final of the last AFCON and rebounded from the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup qualification, Nigeria’s group-stage performance sends a strong warning to rivals ahead of the knockout rounds.
With squad depth, attacking firepower, and growing confidence, the Super Eagles will head into the Round of 16 as one of the tournament favourites.
Emman Tochi ✔
Emma Tochi is Naija247news Media Northern Bureau Chief, he's based in FCT Abuja. He overseas the northern operations of this business media
View Archive →
