The Super Eagles of Nigeria have soared into the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda, capping a flawless Group C campaign in Fes on December 30. With this result, Nigeria became the first team at this year’s tournament to claim all nine points from their group matches, having previously dispatched Tanzania 2-1 and Tunisia 3-2.
Manager Eric Chelle, already assured of progression after two wins, rang the changes for this final group fixture. Notably, star striker Victor Osimhen donned the captain’s armband, while Moses Simon celebrated his 91st international appearance and Ryan Alebiosu made his senior debut for Nigeria. The lineup may have been rotated, but the Super Eagles’ hunger for victory was undiminished.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria looked the sharper, more purposeful side. They dominated possession, worked the ball patiently, and pressed Uganda deep into their own half. Early on, Calvin Bassey—one of only three players retained from the previous match—picked up a yellow card for a robust challenge, setting a physical tone. Yet, Nigeria’s intent was clear, with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze providing width and threat on the flanks.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, capping a spell of sustained Nigerian pressure. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru threaded a perfect pass into the area, and Paul Onuachu, reacting quickest, slotted home from close range. The goal was Onuachu’s fourth at international level and his first in four years for Nigeria, a moment of redemption after missing a golden opportunity minutes earlier. As reported by The Athletic, “That’s composure from the former Southampton player dubbed ‘tall Paul’ in his time on the south coast of England. He makes no mistake with a composed finish from close range after a lovely pass inside from Dele-Bashiru.”
Uganda, knowing only a win would keep their faint hopes of qualification alive, tried to respond but struggled to carve out clear chances. Their best moments came through flashes of individual skill, including a rabona cross from Denis Omedi and a few probing runs by Uche Ikpeazu, who has an emotional connection to both nations. Ikpeazu, born to a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, shared before the match, “Of course there’s going to be an emotional attachment [to facing Nigeria]. There’s always going to be that. But I have an emotional attachment to Uganda as well and I play for Uganda as well, so I will be hoping to beat Nigeria, I’m sorry.”
Veteran Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango, making his 83rd appearance, was a busy man in the first half. He produced a sharp save to deny Onuachu and received treatment for a twisted ankle but soldiered on valiantly until halftime. At the break, Nigeria held a deserved 1-0 lead, and Uganda’s task looked increasingly steep—especially as developments elsewhere in Group C saw Tunisia and Tanzania locked at 1-1, tightening the race for knockout spots.
The second half saw drama escalate. Onyango, still hampered, was replaced by Jamal Salim at halftime. But disaster struck for Uganda in the 56th minute: Salim rushed off his line to meet a surging Osimhen and, outside his box, blatantly handled the ball. The referee had no hesitation—a straight red card for Salim, reducing Uganda to ten men and forcing yet another change between the sticks. The Ugandan bench, and Onyango in particular, looked on in disbelief.
Nigeria wasted little time capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who had only scored once before for his country, doubled his tally in spectacular fashion. In the 60th minute, he pounced on a loose ball in the box to make it 2-0. Just four minutes later, Onyedika struck again—this time finishing coolly from a Chukwueze cutback after a dazzling run down the right. As the match report described, “Onyedika only scored his second international goal a couple of minutes ago, and now he has two in the same game! Uganda look ragged as Chukwueze sends Kayondo to the shops with a lovely stepover, before the Fulham man gets to the byline, cuts the ball back to Onyedika, who finishes from near the penalty spot!”
With the contest effectively settled, Nigeria continued to probe but eased off the gas, making substitutions to rest key players ahead of the Round of 16. Uganda, to their credit, refused to wilt completely. In the 75th minute, substitute Allan Okello slipped a clever through-ball to Rogers Mato, who dinked a classy finish over Francis Uzoho to give the Cranes a consolation and something to cheer about in an otherwise difficult outing.
Uganda’s campaign thus ended at the bottom of Group C with just a single point, their hopes dashed by a combination of injuries, disciplinary woes, and the relentless quality of their opposition. For Nigeria, however, confidence and momentum are peaking at just the right time. Not only did they top the group, but they also did so with a much-changed side, showcasing impressive squad depth. The Super Eagles’ only previous perfect group stage at AFCON came years ago, and this latest achievement is a testament to their resilience—especially after the heartbreak of missing out on 2026 World Cup qualification.
Manager Eric Chelle now faces a pleasant selection headache, with several fringe players staking claims for starting spots in the knockouts. Chukwueze and Onyedika, in particular, were outstanding, while the decision to rest Wilfred Ndidi, Semi Ajayi, and Stanley Nwabali (all one booking away from suspension) proved wise. The inclusion of debutant Ryan Alebiosu, a former Arsenal academy graduate now at Blackburn, added another bright note to the day.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will face a third-placed team from either Group B or Group F on January 5 in the Round of 16. Their fans will be hoping the team can maintain this level of performance and perhaps even go all the way. As for Uganda, there will be lessons to ponder and positives to build on—especially the emergence of talents like Kayondo, who impressed even in defeat.
As the final whistle sounded in Fes, the Super Eagles could reflect on a job well done. Three games, three wins, and a growing sense of belief. The knockout rounds beckon, and Nigeria’s AFCON adventure is just heating up.
