Nigeria clinched the top spot in Group C with a perfect record after Raphael Onyedika’s second-half brace led the Super Eagles to a 3-1 win over 10-man Uganda.
Nigeria advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Group C winners following a 3-1 victory over Uganda at the Fez Stadium.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Victor Osimhen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru combined to carve open the Ugandan defense.
Despite controlling possession, the Super Eagles held only a narrow one-goal lead heading into the halftime break.
The match shifted decisively in the second half when Uganda goalkeeper Salim Magoola received a straight red card in the 57th minute for handling the ball outside his area.
Nigeria capitalized immediately on the numerical advantage, as Raphael Onyedika scored twice in four minutes.
Both goals were assisted by Samuel Chukwueze, with the second seeing the 24-year-old midfielder finish calmly to effectively put the result beyond doubt.
Uganda managed a late consolation goal in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato produced a fine lob over Francis Uzoho after being released by Allan Okello.
Despite losing their clean sheet, Nigeria’s dominance remained unchallenged as they maintained their perfect record in the tournament.
The Super Eagles finished the group stage with maximum points, while the “Cranes look to soar above Super Eagles” ambition fell short following the early dismissal.