The Super Eagles of Nigeria have concluded their group stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in spectacular fashion, maintaining a flawless record. In their final Group C match played on Tuesday, December 30, the team secured a convincing 3-1 victory over a determined Ugandan side at the Fes Stadium.
Dominant Eagles Overcome Stubborn Uganda
Despite having already secured top spot in the group with previous wins over Tunisia and Tanzania, Coach Eric Chelle's men showed no complacency. Chelle made eight changes to his starting lineup, offering valuable tournament minutes to squad players, but the team's intensity never dropped. Victor Osimhen captained the side in the absence of the benched Wilfred Ndidi, leading the attack with purpose.
The Nigerian side, with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze threatening on the wings, controlled the game from the outset. The breakthrough finally came in the 28th minute when striker Paul Onuachu forced the ball over the line from close range, finishing off a cross from Dele-Bashiru. Uganda defended resolutely for the remainder of the first half, going into the break just a goal down.
Uganda's Defensive Crisis and Onyedika's Brace
The second half presented a monumental challenge for the Ugandans. Their inspirational captain and goalkeeper, Dennis Onyango, was forced off due to injury. His replacement, Salim Jamal Magoola, then received a straight red card in the 55th minute for handling the ball outside his penalty area to stop a chipped effort from Osimhen.
Reduced to ten men, Uganda's resistance was finally broken by midfielder Raphael Onyedika. He scored two quick-fire goals, first in the 62nd minute and again in the 67th minute, to put the game beyond doubt at 3-0. The tenacious Ugandans managed a consolation goal in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who expertly lifted the ball over Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho after a fine pass from Okello.
Group Standings and Knockout Stage Picture
With this result, the Super Eagles finished the group stage with the maximum nine points from three matches. In the other Group C fixture played simultaneously, Tunisia and Tanzania played out a 1-1 draw. This result meant Tunisia finished second in the group, while Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Tanzania's achievement is historic, as they become the first team to reach the AFCON knockout stage with only two points since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019.
The Round of 16 lineup is nearly complete, with Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, and Mali also confirmed. Tunisia will face Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Tanzania, in their first-ever knockout stage appearance, will stay in Rabat to play hosts Morocco on Sunday, January 4.
What's Next for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria will remain in Fes and await the third-placed team from Group F, which will be determined from the final matches involving Mozambique, Cameroon, and Cote d'Ivoire. That Round of 16 clash is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026.
The knockout stage promises thrilling action:
- Round of 16: January 3 - January 6, 2026
- Quarterfinals: January 9 - January 10, 2026
- Semifinals: January 13, 2026
- Final: January 18, 2026 in Rabat
The Super Eagles, with momentum and a perfect record behind them, will now shift their focus to the knockout phase as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
