The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Cranes of Uganda 3-1 in their final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Raphael Onyedika’s brace and another goal from Paul Onuachu
gave Nigeria victory against 10-man Uganda at the Stade Foot des Fes in Morocco
on Tuesday.
Nigeria had already sealed a place in the second round of
the competition, and Eric Chelle, the team’s head coach, made eight changes to
the team that started the previous game.
Only Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi
retained their spots while Ryan Alebiosu got his debut for the Super Eagles,
playing at right back.
Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Basiru slotted into the midfield,
while Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon flanked the tall attacking duo of Victor
Osimhen and Onuachu.
Despite the heavy squad rotation, Nigeria dominated the
Ugandans and was a goal up within the first 30 minutes. Onuachu redeemed
himself immediately after squandering a big chance off a pass from Osimhen.
The Trabzonspor striker was at the right place again after
Dele-Bashiru darted into the box and slotted the ball into his path. Onuachu
stabbed the ball past Denis Onyango, the Ugandan goalkeeper.
Ugandans then suffered a significant disadvantage after
halftime. Onyango could not continue after twisting his ankle and was replaced
by Salim Jamal. But a few minutes after coming on, the substitute goalkeeper
handled the ball outside his box and was shown a red card.
Reduced the 10 men, the overwhelmed Ugandans crumbled
further. Raphael Onyedika benefited from the depletion, and he helped himself
to two well-taken goals. Both were provided by an impressive Chukwueze.
The Super Eagles finish Group C with a maximum of nine
points from three games. Tunisia qualified in second place, while Tanzania also
qualified for the next round as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Nigeria will face the third-placed team in Group F in the
second-round match on January 5.
Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Mozambique are the likely
candidates as the teams prepare for a tense showdown on Wednesday.
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