AFCON 2025: Nigeria Beat Uganda, Top Group To Reach Knockouts

 

Already-qualified Nigeria finished at the top of Group C in the AFCON Cup after defeating Uganda, with Raphael Onyedika leading the scoresheet with two goals.

Uganda played in their first AFCON since the 2019 edition, and they got their first point of this campaign in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Saturday. A loss here against Nigeria left them with no hope of at least coming third in the Tanzania game against Tunisia. 

Paul Onuacho scored the first goal with a slide shot following a cutback from Dele-Bashiru. Omyedika added the second goal in the second period. He received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze inside the area and slotted the ball into the left corner. Five minutes later, he doubled his goals for Nigeria's third when Chukwueze played him in inside the 18-yard box and rifled the ball into the back of the net. 

At this point, a comeback from Tanzania is almost impossible. However, they scored a consolation goal from Roger Mato, who latched onto Allan Okello's through pass and lobbed the ball over on-rushing Francis Uzoho. 

Nigeria are through to the knockouts on maximum points, leading Group C with nine points. Uganda are out of the competition, having finished the table in fourth. 

Overview 

It was not an ambitious game for the Super Eagles. Nevertheless, Onyedika made the most of the scoring opportunities he had. Uganda playing one man down made it easier for the Nigerians following the dismissal of the goalkeeper, Denis Onyango. He hand-balled Victor Osimhen's goal-bound shot outside the box, which was a red card offense.