Super Eagles Seal Perfect Group Stage with 3-1 Win Over 10-Man Uganda
The Super Eagles maintained their unbeaten run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after recording a convincing 3-1 victory over 10-man Uganda in their final Group C fixture at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Nigeria signalled their attacking intent almost immediately, with Victor Osimhen forcing Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango into an early save inside the opening minute, although the effort was later ruled offside. The Super Eagles dominated possession in the early stages. Still, Uganda gradually settled into the contest and created two openings through Uche Ikpeazu, neither of which seriously tested Francis Uzoho in goal.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 29th minute. After sustained pressure, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru delivered a well-timed cutback into the box, allowing Paul Onuachu to calmly side-foot the ball into the net for Nigeria’s opener. Osimhen had gone close moments earlier when his pass found Onuachu, whose effort was blocked by the Ugandan goalkeeper.
Nigeria continued to threaten before halftime, with Moses Simon lively on the left wing. In the 38th minute, Simon attempted to pick out Osimhen in the box after another dangerous run, but his pass was deflected by a Ugandan defender, denying the Super Eagles a second goal before the break.
Uganda started the second half with renewed urgency, and Ikpeazu’s dangerous cross into the penalty area had to be cleared by Chidozie Awaziem. The Nantes defender later had a chance to double Nigeria’s advantage from a corner kick, but failed to make clean contact, while Bruno Onyemaechi’s long-range effort sailed harmlessly wide.
The game swung decisively in Nigeria’s favour in the 56th minute when Uganda’s substitute goalkeeper was sent off for handling the ball outside his area while attempting to stop an Osimhen effort. With a numerical advantage, the Super Eagles pressed harder and were rewarded six minutes later. Samuel Chukwueze slipped a neat through pass to Raphael Onyedika, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.
Nigeria effectively put the contest beyond reach in the 67th minute. Chukwueze dazzled with his footwork on the edge of the box before laying the ball off to Onyedika, who calmly slotted home his second goal of the night to extend Nigeria’s lead to three.
Uganda managed a consolation in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato produced a delightful chipped finish over Uzoho, briefly lifting the spirits of the Cranes. However, Nigeria remained composed and saw out the closing stages comfortably.
The result secured maximum points for the Super Eagles and confirmed a perfect winning record in Group C, further boosting confidence as they head into the knockout phase of the tournament with strong momentum.
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