…Super Eagles become first team to earn maximum points from group phase
The Super Eagles powered into the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda, sealing a perfect group-stage record and underlining their growing authority at the tournament.
Despite fielding a largely rotated side, Nigeria were clinical when it mattered, overcoming early resistance from Uganda before turning the contest decisively in their favour in the second half at the Stade Foot Fès.
Eric Chelle’s men had already secured qualification for the round of 16 before kick-off, but the coach made it clear his side were chasing more than just progression. Nigeria lined up in an attacking 4-4-2 shape, with Victor Osimhen partnering Paul Onuachu up front, while debutant Ryan Alebiosu was handed his first international start at right-back.
Uganda, needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, began brightly and showed no signs of inferiority in the early exchanges. The Cranes pressed aggressively, with Mutyaba dictating play in midfield and Mato delivering dangerous crosses from the flanks. Nigeria, however, grew steadily into the contest, with Moses Simon providing the main attacking outlet down the left.
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The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. After missing a gilt-edged chance moments earlier, Onuachu made amends by finishing from close range following a composed square pass from Dele-Bashiru. The goal rewarded Nigeria’s patient buildup and handed them control heading into the interval.
Uganda’s task became even more difficult early in the second half when goalkeeper Jamal Salim was sent off for a blatant handball outside his area. Racing through on goal, Osimhen forced Salim into a desperate intervention, leaving the referee with no choice but to produce a red card just minutes after the substitute keeper had entered the match.
Nigeria wasted little time in exploiting the numerical advantage. Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Samuel Chukwueze before calmly slotting the ball past stand-in goalkeeper Alionzi. Five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, completing his brace with a composed finish after Chukwueze beat his marker and cut the ball back from the byline.
At 3–0, the contest appeared settled, but Uganda showed commendable spirit. With 15 minutes remaining, Mato pulled one back with a delightful dinked finish after being played through by Okello, giving the Ugandan supporters something to celebrate in what was otherwise a difficult evening.
Nigeria managed the closing stages with composure, keeping possession and limiting Uganda’s chances. Osimhen was eventually withdrawn late on to avoid the risk of suspension or injury, as Chelle looked ahead to the knockout rounds.
The win confirmed Nigeria’s place at the top of Group C with a maximum nine points, while Tunisia finished second following a draw with Tanzania. For the Super Eagles, it marked just the second time in their AFCON history that they have completed a group stage with a 100 percent record.
Beyond the result, the performance offered further encouragement. Onyedika’s midfield authority, Chukwueze’s creativity, and the successful integration of squad players such as Alebiosu and Francis Uzoho highlighted the depth available to Chelle as Nigeria prepares for the decisive phase of the tournament.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Super Eagles now turn their focus to the round of 16, carrying confidence, goals, and belief into the business end of AFCON.
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