Nigeria capped off a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uganda, demonstrating their dominance in Group C and reinforcing their credentials as one of the tournament’s most formidable sides.
The Super Eagles entered the match already assured of qualification, which allowed head coach Eric Chelle to experiment with squad rotation while maintaining an aggressive and attacking approach. The team combined tactical flexibility with clinical finishing, ensuring a commanding performance that sent a clear warning to potential opponents in the knockout rounds.
Chelle deployed a 4-4-2 formation, pairing striker Victor Osimhen with Paul Onuachu upfront. Debutant Ryan Alebiosu earned his first start at right-back, adding fresh energy and defensive solidity. Despite these changes, Nigeria’s intent was unmistakable: to dominate possession, control the tempo, and convert their opportunities with precision.
Uganda start brightly
Uganda began the match with high intensity, needing a win to keep their hopes alive. They pressed aggressively, moved the ball with purpose, and created early opportunities through midfielder Mutyaba’s control in the middle and Mato’s precise deliveries from the wings. Nigeria initially absorbed the pressure, demonstrating patience and composure before gradually taking control of the game.
Onuachu breaks the deadlock
The deadlock was finally broken in the 28th minute. After missing an earlier chance, Paul Onuachu capitalised on a well-orchestrated attacking move, slotting the ball home from close range following a composed assist from Dele-Bashiru. The goal shifted momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favour and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Uganda’s challenge was further weakened early in the second half when goalkeeper Jamal Salim was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box while attempting to stop Osimhen from breaking through on goal. The dismissal left Uganda with ten players and stripped them of any realistic control over the game, giving Nigeria more space to dominate.
Onyedika takes over as Uganda pull one back
Nigeria did not ease off. Raphael Onyedika extended the lead in the 62nd minute, calmly finishing after a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze. Just five minutes later, he completed his brace, again assisted by Chukwueze, to make it 3-0 and effectively put the match beyond Uganda’s reach.
Uganda managed to pull one back through Mato, who scored with a delicate finish following a pass from Okello, but the goal was merely a consolation. Nigeria controlled the closing stages of the match with composure, maintaining their shape and effectively shutting down any late threats from the Ugandan side.
With the 3-1 win, Nigeria secured top spot in Group C with a perfect nine points, marking only the second time in their history that the Super Eagles have completed an AFCON group stage with a 100 percent record. Tunisia finished second in the group after drawing against Tanzania, ensuring Nigeria heads into the knockout rounds with confidence and momentum.
The result not only highlighted Nigeria’s tactical depth and attacking efficiency but also sent a message to other contenders in the tournament that the Super Eagles are a force to be reckoned with as they progress toward the later stages of AFCON 2025.