Nigeria eliminate Uganda 3-1 to advance to the next round in AFCON25 following a masterclass performance at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday night. The Super Eagles showcased exactly why they are considered one of the heavy favorites for the title, maintaining a 100% win record in the group stages. While the Uganda Cranes entered the match with a mathematical chance of progression, the tactical superiority of the Nigerian side proved too much to overcome. This victory ensures that Nigeria heads into the knockout stages with maximum momentum and confidence.
Super Eagles Dominate Early in Fès
The match began with a high tempo as the Super Eagles looked to assert their dominance from the first whistle. Having already secured wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, Nigeria played with a sense of freedom that troubled the Ugandan defense. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu silenced his critics. After a period of sustained pressure, Onuachu steered the ball into the bottom left corner following a pinpoint assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Earlier in the half, Uganda’s veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango had produced a world-class save to deny Onuachu, but the persistent Nigerian attack eventually found the gap. The opening goal set the stage for what would be a long night for the Cranes, ultimately leading to the headline result: Nigeria eliminate Uganda 3-1 to advance to the next round in AFCON25.
The Turning Point: Red Card and Raphael Onyedika Brace
The second half began with Uganda making several tactical changes in a desperate attempt to stay in the competition. However, their plans were derailed in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was shown a straight red card for a handball outside the area. This moment of madness essentially sealed the Uganda Cranes elimination.
With a numerical advantage, Nigeria shifted into a higher gear. The star of the show was undoubtedly Raphael Onyedika.
Raphael Onyedika’s Midfield Masterclass
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62nd Minute: Onyedika doubled the lead with a composed right-footed finish from the right side of the box, set up perfectly by Samuel Chukwueze.
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67th Minute: Just five minutes later, the Raphael Onyedika brace was complete. He struck again from the center of the area, once more assisted by the creative Chukwueze, making it 3-0.
This quick-fire double ensured that Nigeria eliminate Uganda 3-1 to advance to the next round in AFCON25, allowing coach Eric Chelle to rotate his squad and rest key players for the upcoming Round of 16.
Uganda Cranes Elimination: A Brave Exit
Despite being down to ten men and trailing by three goals, Uganda refused to simply roll over. Their resilience was rewarded in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato found a consolation goal. Mato slotted the ball home from the center of the box after a clever through-ball from Allan Okello.
While the goal provided a moment of joy for the traveling Ugandan supporters, it wasn’t enough to change the ultimate outcome. The AFCON 2025 Group C standings now reflect a stark reality for the Cranes: they finish at the bottom of the table, while Nigeria sits comfortably at the top.
AFCON 2025 Group C Standings
The final standings in Group C highlight the gap between the tournament contenders and the chasing pack.
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | PTS | Status |
| 1 | Nigeria | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +6 | 9 | Qualified |
| 2 | Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Qualified |
| 3 | Tanzania | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 | Advancing (3rd) |
| 4 | Uganda | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 0 | Eliminated |
Post-Match: Raphael Onyedika Wins Man of the Match
Following the match, the TotalEnergies Man of the Match, Raphael Onyedika, expressed his gratitude and excitement. His performance proved that the depth of the Nigerian squad is their greatest weapon.
“I feel very happy and I can’t really explain how I feel in this moment. These are moments I’ve been working towards all my life,” Onyedika said. “It’s about being ready when that opportunity comes, performing whenever the coach calls on you.”
The fact that Nigeria eliminate Uganda 3-1 to advance to the next round in AFCON25 with such a convincing scoreline sends a message to the rest of the continent. Nigeria is not just here to participate; they are here to win.
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What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
With the group stage behind them, the Super Eagles now await their opponent for the Round of 16. Tactical discipline and the clinical nature of their forwards will be key as the tournament moves into the knockout phase where there is no room for error.
Mainstream Media References
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CAF Online: Nigeria cruise past 10-man Uganda to maintain perfect record
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Premium Times Nigeria: AFCON 2025: Onyedika shines as Super Eagles beat Uganda
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SuperSport: Uganda Cranes exit AFCON after defeat to clinical Nigeria
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