The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage campaign in dominant fashion, securing a 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday evening, December 30, in Morocco. The win ensured Nigeria finished at the summit of Group C with a perfect nine points from three matches.
Onuachu's Long-Awaited Return to the Scoresheet
Head coach Eric Chelle, maintaining his unbeaten record at the tournament, rotated his squad, handing starts to several players. The tactical shift paid dividends in the 28th minute when a significant moment unfolded for striker Paul Onuachu. Assisted by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Trabzonspor forward found the net, marking his first goal for Nigeria in four years and his maiden strike at the AFCON since his debut in 2019.
The first half saw further action as captain Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside, keeping the scoreline at 1-0 heading into the break. Uganda's hopes suffered a major blow in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola was shown a red card for handling Osimhen's goal-bound effort outside his penalty area, reducing the Cranes to ten men.
Onyedika Seals the Deal with Clinical Double
Nigeria capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half. In the 67th minute, midfielder Raphael Onyedika doubled the Super Eagles' lead, finishing off a move created by Samuel Chukwueze. The Club Brugge star was not done yet. Just five minutes later, Chukwueze once again tormented the Ugandan defence from the right flank and set up Onyedika for his second of the night, completing a well-taken brace.
Uganda managed to pull one back for consolation in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who connected with a through pass from Allan Okello. However, the Nigerian defence held firm for the remainder of the match to seal a 3-1 victory. Victor Osimhen was substituted in the 87th minute for Adams Akor, having led the line in the absence of the rested Wilfred Ndidi.
Perfect Record and Fan Acclaim for Chelle
The result means Nigeria wins Group C comprehensively, heading into the knockout stages with immense confidence. Nigerian fans and pundits have widely praised coach Eric Chelle for his tactical management and for steering the team to an unblemished record in the group phase. The performance, built on goals from different sources, highlights the squad's depth as they prepare for the sterner tests ahead in the quest for a fourth AFCON title.
The match lineup featured several changes, with starts for Francis Uzoho in goal, Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Dele-Bashiru, Onuachu, and Moses Simon. The team now awaits the identity of their Round of 16 opponent as the tournament progresses.
