Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika delivered a stunning performance on and off the pitch, leading Nigeria to a decisive 3-1 victory over Uganda in their final Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 24-year-old Club Brugge star scored his first-ever international brace, securing the Man of the Match award while his Portuguese girlfriend, Sharon Almeida, cheered him on from the stands in Fes, Morocco.
Perfect Group Stage for Super Eagles
The match, played on Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, saw Nigeria finish the group stage with a perfect record of nine points from three matches. Head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to his starting lineup, though key players like Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi retained their places.
Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing a low cross from Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The real fireworks, however, came in the second half from Raphael Onyedika.
Onyedika's Five-Minute Masterclass
Onyedika took center stage after the break, netting two crucial goals within a span of just five minutes. Both strikes were expertly set up by Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, who was later rewarded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his two-assist performance.
This commanding display not only sealed the 3-1 win but also sent a strong message to Coach Chelle about Onyedika's readiness for a more prominent role in the knockout stages. The victory ensured Nigeria's advancement to the Round of 16 as Group C winners, while Tunisia also progressed as runners-up after a 1-1 draw with Tanzania.
Love and Football: Almeida's Spotlight Moment
While Onyedika shone on the field, his partner, Sharon Almeida Almeida was spotted alone in the stands, passionately cheering for Onyedika during his first start of the 2025 AFCON, before he was substituted. Her presence sparked lively reactions on social media, with many fans crediting her support for his inspired performance. Nigerian sports journalist Bayour Issah emphasized the motivational power of such support, stating, "There are loads of players who draw inspiration from the presence of their loved ones." He even suggested that having players' wives or girlfriends attend the Round of 16 match could provide an additional boost for the team. The Super Eagles now look ahead to the knockout phase of AFCON 2025, buoyed by a perfect group stage and the uplifting combination of on-field excellence and off-field support exemplified by Raphael Onyedika's memorable night in Fes.
