The Super Eagles of Nigeria concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, securing a perfect record of three wins from three matches. This dominant performance confirmed Nigeria as Group C winners, positioning them strongly for the knockout rounds.

Coach Eric Chelle, with qualification already secured, opted for significant squad rotation, introducing several fresh faces into the starting lineup. Francis Uzoho replaced Stanley Nwabali in goal, while Blackburn Rovers' Ryan Alebiosu made his senior national team debut at right-back. Igoh Ogbu, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Paul Onuachu also featured from the start. This strategic rotation aimed to manage player fatigue and test the depth of the squad, a decision that ultimately yielded both positive results and new selection dilemmas for Chelle.

The match itself was an action-packed encounter, particularly for Uganda, who were under immense pressure to win to keep their AFCON dreams alive. Uganda's tactical gamble to push for goals left them vulnerable at the back, a situation Nigeria expertly exploited. The Cranes' goalkeeping situation quickly became a central theme of the game. Veteran captain Denis Onyango, after just 23 minutes, suffered an ankle injury but attempted to play on. He conceded five minutes later before going down again in the 40th minute, making his halftime replacement by Salim Magoola inevitable.

Magoola's tenure was brief and ill-fated, lasting only 11 minutes into the second half before he was shown a straight red card for inexplicably handling a Victor Osimhen shot outside the penalty area. This catastrophic error forced Paul Put to introduce third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi. The Super Eagles, now with a man advantage, capitalized swiftly. Raphael Onyedika converted a cross from Samuel Chukwueze just three minutes later, doubling Nigeria's lead, and before Alionzi could recover, Onyedika struck again to make it 3-0.

Paul Onuachu had opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 28th minute, atoning for an earlier missed chance. A brilliant half-space pass from Bruno Onyemaechi found Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who drove into the box and squared the ball for Onuachu to tap home. Despite Nigeria's dominance, Uganda managed a late consolation goal through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, chipping the ball over Francis Uzoho after an assist from Allan Okello. This goal marked Nigeria conceding in their sixth consecutive match, highlighting a persistent defensive vulnerability that Chelle's side must address for the knockout stages.

Individual performances were a major talking point. Raphael Onyedika was undoubtedly the man of the match, delivering a performance of control, maturity, and dominance. Playing at the base of midfield, he dictated tempo, recycled possession, and shielded the backline with assurance. His two crisp, confident finishes marked his first-ever AFCON goals. Fellow midfielder Frank Onyeka, who was on the bench for the game, played down any rivalry with Onyedika, stating they play different roles – Onyedika as a defensive midfielder and Onyeka as a central midfielder – and expressed happiness for his teammate's brace.

Samuel Chukwueze also shone brightly, proving spectacular after being recalled to the starting XI. From the right flank, he tormented Ugandan defenders with direct dribbling and sharp changes of pace, providing two exquisite assists for Onyedika's goals. His second assist was particularly noteworthy, officially named CAF's