Nigeria hammers final nail in Uganda’s AFCON coffin

Paul Onuachu’s first half goal and two goals from Raphael Onyedika confirmed Nigeria as Group C winners and eliminated Uganda from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory for the Super Eagles.

The giant poacher finished from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross to make the difference at the Stade Fez, completing a perfect group stage with three wins from three matches for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle brought in a handful of changes to his lineup, including an entirely new midfield, for their Group C finale. The West Africans stayed in control throughout the first half and the opening goal was well deserved in the 28th minute.

Moments after squandering an opportunity created by an explosive run and cross from Victor Osimhen on the right wing, Onuachu got his finish right when Dele-Bashiru was played in on the left wing and crossed low for the Trabzonspor striker. In another blow to Uganda’s faint hopes, legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango was forced off due to injury at halftime.

And it only got worse for the Cranes after halftime. In the 56th minute, Osimhen got in behind to receive a pass and deputy goalkeeper Jamal Salim came outside of his box to block Osimhen’s shot. Sent off with a red card for illegally using his hand to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity, third goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi was forced to come on in a surreal moment.

Soon after, the Super Eagles put themselves beyond reach. Raphael Onyedika slickly controlled a pass from Samuel Chukwueze and put his shot between the legs of Alionzi. The two combined again five minutes later when Chukwueze danced past two more Cranes defenders to cross for Onyedika to fire his low shot through a crowd of defenders and complete a devastating double blow.

The Cranes did find a consolation through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute but they will leave Morocco with one point from their three matches and a record of three goals scored and seven goals conceded.

Nigeria advance to the Round of 16 as Group C winners. On January 6, they will face the third place team from Group F, likely Mozambique, at the Stade Fez.