The Super Eagles of Nigeria concluded their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 group stage campaign in dominant fashion, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The win at 7:48pm WAT ensured Nigeria finished atop Group C with a perfect nine points from three matches, simultaneously confirming the elimination of the East African side from the tournament.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The Nigerian side opened the scoring in the 28th minute through a significant moment for striker Paul Onuachu. After a sharp attacking move, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru delivered a telling cross that Onuachu expertly poked home, marking his first international goal in four years and sending the Super Eagles into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Nigeria increase their dominance. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute, coolly slotting the ball through the goalkeeper's legs after receiving a precise pass from winger Samuel Chukwueze. The match tilted further in Nigeria's favor when Ugandan goalkeeper Salim Magoola was shown a red card, reducing his team to ten men.
Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Onyedika struck again just five minutes later to make it 3-0. Chukwueze was once more the provider, cutting the ball back for Onyedika to apply a clinical finish and effectively seal the match.
Uganda's Consolation and Tournament Exit
Despite being a man down, Uganda managed to pull a goal back in the 75th minute to deny Nigeria a clean sheet. Substitute Rogers Kassim Mato displayed clever technique, chipping the ball over Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho after being set up by Joseph Okello.
However, this consolation goal was not enough to keep Uganda's tournament hopes alive. Their fate was sealed concurrently as Tunisia's 1-1 draw with Tanzania confirmed that Uganda, finishing bottom of the group with just a single point, would be heading home.
Post-Match Reactions and Road Ahead
Raphael Onyedika, deservedly named the Player of the Match for his two-goal performance, expressed his delight. "It's an amazing feeling … we worked hard for today's game," he stated. "The team showed what we can do in the competition. Their support helps us on the pitch … we need them throughout the competition."
The final Group C standings see Nigeria in first place with 9 points, followed by Tunisia in second with 4 points. Tanzania, finishing third, has advanced to the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.
With this emphatic victory, the Super Eagles progress to the Round of 16 as Group C winners, carrying a perfect record and significant momentum into the next phase of AFCON 2025. Uganda, meanwhile, ends its journey in the tournament.
