Victor Osimhen once again proved decisive as the Super Eagles powered to a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night, sealing a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria’s dominant display at the Fez Stadium confirmed the Super Eagles as Group C winners, with maximum nine points from three matches, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s early title contenders.
Head coach Finidi George’s tactical setup paid off, with Nigeria controlling possession, tempo, and territory for long stretches of the contest. Francis Uzoho started in goal, marshalled by a back line of Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika partnered Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, and Moses Simon supported Osimhen in attack.
Uganda, desperate for victory to keep faint qualification hopes alive, began with urgency but struggled to cope with Nigeria’s composure and movement. The Super Eagles gradually asserted control, circulating the ball with confidence and pinning the Cranes deep in their half.
Nigeria’s breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute following a slick move down the right flank. Dele-Bashiru whipped in a low cross, and Onuachu reacted fastest inside the box, poking the ball home from close range to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Uganda attempted to respond before the interval, but their attacks lacked precision and penetration. Nigeria went into halftime 1–0 up, firmly in command of proceedings.
Read also:
- 2025 AFCON: Nigerian-born Ugandan hopeful of helping Cranes defeat S/Eagles
- After Budapest 2023, Tokyo host 2025 World Athletics Championships
- Newcastle seek ‘clarification’ on penalty decision in match against Chelsea
The game tilted decisively in Nigeria’s favour early in the second half when Uganda were reduced to ten men. Goalkeeper Salim Magoola was shown a straight red card in the 58th minute for handling the ball outside his area to deny Osimhen, who was clear on goal.
The Super Eagles wasted no time exploiting their numerical advantage. In the 62nd minute, Chukwueze slipped a measured pass into the box, allowing Onyedika to take a steadying touch before slotting past the substitute goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
Five minutes later, Nigeria struck again. A rapid switch of play caught the Ugandan defence off balance, and Chukwueze’s cutback found Onyedika, who finished clinically into the corner to complete his brace and effectively put the match beyond reach.
Uganda grabbed a late consolation in the 75th minute when substitute Allan Okello threaded a clever through ball to Mato, who chipped Uzoho with composure. It was a rare bright moment for the Cranes on a difficult night.
Osimhen’s leadership, Nigeria’s midfield authority, and a ruthless second-half performance ensured the Super Eagles marched into the knockout stage with momentum, confidence, and growing belief that AFCON 2025 could yet end in glory.
