Nigeria rounded off their Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night, confirming top spot and underlining their growing depth ahead of the knockout stage.
Already assured of a place in the Round of 16, the Super Eagles needed only a draw to finish first, but Eric Chelle’s side delivered a polished performance that blended control, intensity and attacking efficiency.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half, calmly finishing a low cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to give Nigeria an early advantage.
The Super Eagles soon took full control as Raphael Onyedika struck twice in quick succession, punishing Uganda’s defensive lapses and effectively putting the contest beyond reach.
Uganda reduced the deficit through Robert Mato, but the goal proved little more than a consolation as Nigeria managed the game with authority for the remainder of the match.
Onyedika’s display stood out on the night. Making his first-ever AFCON appearance, the 24-year-old midfielder dominated the centre of the park, linked smoothly with Dele-Bashiru and capped his performance with two goals. He completed the full 90 minutes and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
The brace marked a significant milestone for Onyedika, who had scored only once previously for Nigeria during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in March 2024. He now has 19 caps for the Super Eagles.
In the group’s other match, Tunisia and Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw, a result that confirmed Tunisia as Group C runners-up with four points.
Nigeria will be facing either Cameroon, Mozambique or Angola in the Round of 16, depending on the outcome of other group fixtures.
Nigeria, however, ended the night with injury concerns. Debutant Ryan Alebiosu sustained a deep cut to his right leg and faces uncertainty over his availability for the remainder of the tournament, while Cyriel Dessers is set to undergo a scan after picking up a thigh injury.
With the group stage now complete, the Super Eagles turn their attention to the knockout rounds, buoyed by a confident display and the emergence of new contributors at a crucial stage of the tournament.
