AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Edge 10-Man Uganda, Maintain 100% Winning Record

The Super Eagles maintained an unbeaten run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming 10-man Uganda 3-1 in their final Group C game at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.

Nigeria wasted no time to announce their intent as Victor Osimhen’s shot was parried away by the Uganda goalkeeper, Denis Onyango in the 1st minute, only to be flagged offside by the referee.

Despite the Super Eagles’ early pressing, the Cranes later found their way into the game and had two goal-scoring opportunities from Uche Ikpeazu, which failed to threaten Francis Uzoho.

The Super Eagles almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Osimhen squared a pass to Onuachu, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. A few minutes later, Nigeria took the lead thanks to a beautiful cutback from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to Onuachu, who calmly slotted the ball straight into the net.

In the 38th minute, Simon Moses, who has been mesmerizing from the left flank, provided an assist to Onuachu, but he tried to lay a pass to Osimhen in the 18-yard box, only for his ball to be deflected by a Ugandan defender.

Uganda commenced the second half at a fast pace as Ikpeazu’s dangerous cross into the 18-yard box was cleared away by Awaziem.

The Nantes defender had the chance to put the Super Eagles two goals ahead after a corner kick was flown in, but he failed to connect properly with the ball. A few minutes later, Bruno Onyeamechi’s long-range shot did not threaten the Uganda goalkeeper.

The Uganda substitute goalkeeper was sent off in the 56th minute after he came out of his 18-yard box to block Osimhen’s goal-bound effort with his hand.

The Super Eagles extended their lead in the 62nd minute thanks to an excellent finish from Raphael Onyedika after receiving a through pass from Chukwueze.

In the 67th minute, Nigeria took the game beyond the reach of Uganda after Chukwueze’s dazzling skills whistled past a Uganda defender before passing the ball to Onyedika to slot the ball straight into the net.

However, Uganda pulled one back in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato’s lovely chip over Uzoho to give the team a consolation goal.

All efforts to pull a surprise comeback proved abortive as the Super Eagles picked the maximum three points and a perfect winning record in Group C.