Nigeria closed out their Africa Cup of Nations group-stage campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda on December 30, 2025, reaffirming their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. The Super Eagles topped their group with a perfect record, winning all three matches and carrying strong momentum into the knockout rounds.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu rose above the Ugandan defense to head Nigeria into the lead, marking an important return to the scoresheet for the striker. Nigeria continued to control possession and tempo, and their dominance was rewarded in the second half. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 62nd and 67th minutes to effectively put the game beyond Uganda’s reach.
Uganda showed resilience despite facing adversity, including playing with ten men for a large portion of the second half. Rogers Mato pulled one back in the 75th minute, giving the Cranes a brief moment of hope and something to build on as they exited the tournament.
Nigeria’s blend of squad depth, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing highlighted their strong form, while Uganda’s spirited performance reflected their potential despite an early tournament exit.
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