Nigeria stamped their authority on Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a ruthless 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, sealing a perfect group-stage record and bringing the Cranes’ campaign to an abrupt end.
The Super Eagles set the tempo early, forcing Uganda onto the back foot with pace and movement across the frontline. Victor Osimhen was lively from the opening minutes, while goalkeeper Denis Onyango was kept busy as Nigeria steadily tightened their grip. Uganda threatened sporadically, with Rogers Mato going close, but struggled to sustain pressure against Nigeria’s superior structure.
The breakthrough arrived before the half-hour mark when Paul Onuachu capitalised on a defence-splitting delivery from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, calmly finishing to hand Nigeria a deserved lead. That advantage proved decisive, especially after Uganda’s evening unravelled further shortly after the restart.
In the 56th minute, Uganda were dealt a heavy blow when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was dismissed for handling outside the penalty area. Nigeria pounced on the numerical advantage, with Raphael Onyedika striking twice in quick succession, first sliding the ball past substitute keeper Nafian Alionzi, then firing home through a crowded defence to effectively kill the contest.
Uganda found a late consolation through Rogers Mato, set up by Allan Okello, but it did little to alter the outcome. Nigeria finished top of Group C with a flawless nine points, underlining their title credentials, while Uganda bowed out with just one point, outplayed, outmanned, and ultimately outclassed on the continental stage.
