NIGERIA wrapped up their Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, defeating Uganda 3–1 at the Fez Stadium in Morocco to finish the group stage with a perfect record.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Super Eagles, already assured of qualification before the encounter, produced a commanding performance that underlined their status as one of the tournament’s early favourites, ending the group phase with nine points from three matches.
Nigeria’s dominance paid off in the 28th minute when striker Paul Onuachu opened the scoring. The towering forward reacted quickest inside the penalty area, poking the ball home from close range after a well-weighted low cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The goal capped a strong opening spell from the Eagles, who controlled possession, pressed aggressively, and created several chances as Uganda struggled to contain Nigeria’s pace, movement, and physical presence.
After the interval, Nigeria increased the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute. Samuel Chukwueze carved open the Ugandan defence with a precise cut-back into the box, allowing Raphael Onyedika to take a composed first touch before calmly placing the ball into the bottom left corner.
Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again to put the result beyond doubt. Following another slick attacking move involving Onuachu, Chukwueze once more provided the assist, and the midfielder unleashed a low drive from about 15 yards, finding the bottom right corner for his second goal of the night.
Uganda, who were reduced to 10 men, managed to pull one back in the 75th minute. Substitute Okello slipped a clever pass through the Nigerian defence to Mato, who showed composure to chip the ball over goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Despite the late goal, the Cranes were unable to mount a comeback, as Nigeria saw out the match with maturity and control.
The victory confirmed Nigeria as Group C winners, finishing the group stage unbeaten with maximum points and strong momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
For Uganda, the defeat sealed their exit from the tournament, as they finished bottom of the group.
With goals flowing and key players finding form, the Super Eagles will head into the next phase of AFCON 2025 full of confidence, firmly establishing themselves as serious contenders for the continental crown.
