The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Cranes of Uganda3-1 in their final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Raphael Onyedika’s brace and another goal from Paul Onuachugave Nigeria victory against 10-man Uganda at the Stade Foot des Fes in Moroccoon Tuesday. Nigeria had already sealed a place in the second round ofthe competition, and Eric Chelle, the team’s head coach, made eight changes tothe team that started the previous game. Only Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechiretained their spots while Ryan Alebiosu got his debut for the Super Eagles,playing at right back. Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Basiru slotted into the midfield,while Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon flanked the tall attacking duo of VictorOsimhen and Onuachu. Despite the heavy squad rotation, Nigeria dominated theUgandans and was a goal up within the first 30 minutes. Onuachu redeemedhimself immediately after squandering a big chance off a pass from Osimhen. The Trabzonspor striker was at the right place again afterDele-Bashiru darted into the box and slotted the ball into his path. Onuachustabbed the ball past Denis Onyango, the Ugandan goalkeeper. Ugandans then suffered a significant disadvantage afterhalftime. Onyango could not continue after twisting his ankle and was replacedby Salim Jamal. But a few minutes after coming on, the substitute goalkeeperhandled the ball outside his box and was shown a red card. Reduced the 10 men, the overwhelmed Ugandans crumbledfurther. Raphael Onyedika benefited from the depletion, and he helped himselfto two well-taken goals. Both were provided by an impressive Chukwueze. The Super Eagles finish Group C with a maximum of ninepoints from three games. Tunisia qualified in second place, while Tanzania alsoqualified for the next round as one of the four best third-placed teams. Nigeria will face the third-placed team in Group F in thesecond-round match on January 5. Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Mozambique are the likelycandidates as the teams prepare for a tense showdown on Wednesday.
Related Articles
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.