Nigeria’s Eagles feast: 3-1 over Uganda secures AFCON group win and a knockout berth
30 December 2025
Match result and implications
Nigeria sent a sharp message to every AFCON participant by confirming their progress to the knockout rounds with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in the final Group C game.
They finish the group on 9 points, the only side in the group with a perfect record after three matches.
Algeria could match this feat in Group D with a win in their third game against Equatorial Guinea tomorrow.
Scorers and key incidents
Nigeria’s goals came from Paul Onuachu in the 28th minute, and Raphael Onyedika added two more in the 62nd and 67th minutes.
Uganda’s consolation was scored by Roger Mato in the 75th minute, after teammate Jamal Salem was sent off in the 56th minute, which complicated their push for a result.
The win cements Nigeria’s top spot in the group and leaves Uganda with a single point and elimination from the CAN tournament at this stage.
Nigeria’s performance was powered by a sharp attack and a compact defense, with Onuachu’s early strike setting the tone and Onyedika’s late-lesson double sealing the deal.
Sniper punchline 1: Nigeria brought their appetite to the pitch—Uganda left with the doggy bag and a red card for dessert.
Sniper punchline 2: If AFCON were a buffet, Nigeria just stacked the dessert tray while Uganda bemoaned the breadsticks.