Raphael Onyedika delivered a standout performance as the Super Eagles of Nigeria continued their perfect Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a 3–1 win over Uganda at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, sealing their place in the round of 16.
This was only the second AFCON meeting between the two nations. Their previous clash came in the 1978 semi-finals, when Uganda claimed a 2–1 victory. This time, however, Nigeria imposed themselves from the start and rarely looked troubled.
The Super Eagles created the first major opening in the 27th minute when Victor Osimhen burst past Sibbick down the right and rolled a perfect ball across goal for Paul Onuachu, but the striker somehow failed to convert from close range. Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango then produced a superb point-blank save moments later to deny another Nigerian effort, showing bravery despite having recently turned his ankle.
Onuachu quickly made amends. After patient Nigerian buildup, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru broke into the box and squared the ball across goal for the striker, who tapped into an empty net with Onyango already committed. It was a deserved breakthrough for the Super Eagles, who controlled possession and tempo for much of the half. Uganda’s best opportunity came from a late free-kick, but Mato’s delivery failed to trouble the Nigerian defence.
The Super Eagles began the second half strongly and almost doubled their lead when Chidozie Awaziem, just on as a substitute, sent a header wide from close range. Uganda’s evening then unraveled in the 58th minute when substitute goalkeeper Jamal Salim was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area to stop Osimhen’s goal-bound effort. He had only been on the pitch since half-time.
Nigeria immediately punished the dismissal. In the 62nd minute Samuel Chukwueze slipped a precise pass through to Raphael Onyedika, whose first touch set him perfectly before calmly rolling the ball past replacement keeper Alionzi. Five minutes later, Onyedika struck again. Chukwueze dazzled Kayondo with clever footwork before cutting the ball back into the area, where Onyedika arrived unmarked to guide home his second of the match.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Uganda continued to compete and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Okello threaded a smart pass through to Mato, who dinked a delightful finish over Francis Uzoho to pull one back. It was a moment of pride for Uganda, although it came too late to influence the outcome.
Nigeria managed the closing stages confidently, retaining possession and seeing out the win to complete another impressive group-stage display. Uganda, meanwhile, exited the tournament despite their spirited late response.
Before this match, the nations had met eight times in all competitions. Uganda held the historical edge with four victories to Nigeria’s two, while two previous encounters ended level. Here in Morocco, however, it was the Super Eagles of Nigeria who stamped their authority and moved on with maximum points and building momentum.
