BREAKING: Super Eagles finish AFCON group stage unbeaten, thrash Uganda to claim top spot

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday evening, December 30, 2025, cruised past Uganda’s Cranes in their final Group C fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), recording a convincing 3–1 victory to advance to the round of 16 with an unblemished record.
Despite making eight changes to the side that defeated Tanzania and Tunisia in earlier matches, head coach Eric Chelle’s men remained dominant throughout the encounter at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.

The Super Eagles opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu struck from close range, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner after a well-timed assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Nigeria maintained control to the end of the first half and further tightened their grip on the game shortly after the restart. Uganda’s goalkeeper, Magoola, was sent off for handling the ball outside his area while attempting to stop Victor Osimhen from scoring.
Wilfred Ndidi Onyedika doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 62nd minute, showing great composure with a fine first touch before calmly finishing between the goalkeeper’s legs. Five minutes later, Onyedika completed his brace, firing into the bottom right corner from about 14 metres after meeting Samuel Chukwueze’s cutback following a swift move initiated by Onuachu.
Uganda managed a late response in the 75th minute when substitute Okello created space for Mato, who delicately chipped the ball over goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to reduce the deficit.
The win ensured Nigeria finished the group with a perfect nine points, comfortably sealing qualification to the round of 16 as group leaders.