AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Cruise Past Uganda, Finish Group Stage Perfect

Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 3–1 victory over Uganda, finishing the group stage with a perfect 100% record.

Despite head coach Eric Chelle making eight changes to his starting lineup, the Super Eagles showed their depth, control, and quality. Nigeria dominated proceedings from start to finish, sealing top spot in Group C without any real trouble.

Nigeria started the match on the front foot, pressing high and forcing Uganda to defend deep. The early pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu opened the scoring.

A sharp run into the box by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru unsettled the Ugandan defence, and Onuachu was on hand to calmly finish. It was the striker’s first international goal in four years, a deserved reward for Nigeria’s early dominance.

The game took a decisive turn early in the second half. In the 56th minute, Ugandan substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was shown a straight red card after handling the ball outside his penalty area to deny Victor Osimhen a clear scoring chance. Uganda were reduced to ten men, and from that moment, Nigeria fully took control.

With the numerical advantage, the Super Eagles wasted no time asserting themselves. Raphael Onyedika extended Nigeria’s lead in the 62nd minute after being picked out by a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze, finishing calmly.

Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again. He timed his run perfectly to tap in following a swift team move involving Chukwueze and Onuachu, effectively putting the game to bed.

Uganda managed a late consolation goal in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who chipped Francis Uzoho, but it was too little, too late. The goal did nothing to change the outcome, and the result officially confirmed Uganda’s exit from the tournament.

Nigeria finished top of Group C with nine points from three matches, while Tunisia claimed the second qualification spot.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they will face a third-placed team from either Group B or Group F on January 5, 2026.