The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially recognized the stellar performance of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze, presenting him with a special award after Nigeria's decisive 3-1 victory over Uganda. The match, which took place on December 30, 2025, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, concluded Nigeria's Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on a high note.
Chukwueze's Creative Masterclass Earns CAF Accolade
Chukwueze was instrumental in the Super Eagles' triumph, providing two crucial assists for Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who scored his first-ever AFCON goals. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) report, the scoring was opened by Paul Onuachu from a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru assist, before Onyedika's brace sealed the win. Uganda's consolation goal came from Rogers Mato.
The specific moment that captured CAF's attention was Chukwueze's dazzling dribble to evade two Ugandan defenders before setting up Onyedika's second goal. This play was awarded the 'Move of the Day' prize, as announced on CAF's official Instagram page. This performance continued a trend for the AC Milan-owned winger, who had also provided assists for Victor Osimhen in a previous match against Benin in October 2024.
Dressing Room Banter and Onyedika's Gratitude
The match wasn't without a lighter moment, as Chukwueze skied a free-kick, prompting playful banter from fans and teammates alike. This mirrored an earlier incident where Chukwueze had trolled defender Calvin Bassey for a similar action while playing for Fulham. Bassey reportedly returned the favor after the Uganda match, teasing Chukwueze in the dressing room, on the team bus, and at the hotel.
Man of the Match, Raphael Onyedika, was full of praise for his teammate. The midfielder, who admitted to staying focused and ready for his opportunity under coach Eric Chelle, revealed a remarkable statistic: all three of his goals for the Super Eagles have come from assists by Samuel Chukwueze. "I need to buy Samuel Chukwueze a gift," Onyedika told Ademola Victor TV, acknowledging the winger's crucial role in his international scoring record. His first goal came in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier loss to Benin in June 2024.
Strategic Understanding Seals the Victory
Onyedika further explained that his goals were a product of understanding Chukwueze's playing style. Knowing the winger's tendency to deliver cutbacks into the box, Onyedika positioned himself perfectly to convert both chances. This synergy on the pitch was a key factor in Nigeria's convincing win, which also saw the team top Group C.
The award from CAF serves as a fitting tribute to Chukwueze's influence in a match that solidified Nigeria's momentum in the tournament. As the Super Eagles advance, the connection between Chukwueze and his teammates will be vital for their continued success at AFCON 2025.
