Nigeria finish perfect as Onyedika brace sinks Uganda

Super Eagles finish group stage in style

Nigeria ended the Group C campaign in dominant fashion with a 3–1 win over Uganda in Fès, sealing top spot and bringing Uganda’s AFCON journey to an end.

Already qualified after wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, the Super Eagles showed their depth and control, while Uganda knew only a win would keep their hopes alive.

Onuachu strikes first after early pressure

Nigeria started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 28th minute. Paul Onuachu stayed calm inside the box and guided the ball into the corner after a smart assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango had earlier denied Onuachu, but Nigeria’s pressure was relentless and the breakthrough felt inevitable.

Red card turns the game on its head

Uganda tried to reset after the break with several changes, but the turning point arrived in the 56th minute. Salim Magoola was sent off for handball, leaving the Cranes with ten men and a mountain to climb.

Nigeria wasted no time in taking control.

Onyedika takes over with quick-fire double

Raphael Onyedika stepped into the spotlight in the second half. In the 62nd minute, he doubled Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish after being picked out by Samuel Chukwueze.

Just five minutes later, the midfielder struck again, this time finishing from close range to make it 3–0 and put the result beyond doubt.

Uganda show spirit despite the setback

To their credit, Uganda continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 75th minute. Rogers Mato found space in the box and calmly finished after a well-timed pass from Allan Okello.

It proved to be little more than consolation, as Nigeria slowed the game down and managed the closing stages with maturity.

Nigeria perfect, Uganda exit

The final whistle confirmed a perfect group stage for Nigeria with three wins from three matches. Uganda, meanwhile, exit the tournament knowing moments of promise were undone by key mistakes.

Nigeria now move into the knockout rounds full of confidence and momentum.