By Ben Efe 30.12.2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles proved to be top contenders for the 2025 African Cup of Nations by beating Ugandan Cranes 3-1 to collect the maximum nine points in group C.
Raphael Onyedika scored twice after Paul Onuachu had shot the Super Eagles ahead in the first half.
Coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to his starting line up with Victor Osimhen wearing the captain’s arm band.
The team did not disappoint as they made excellent runs and good passes which left the Ugandans puzzled.
Onuachu who earlier was denied by the Cranes Veteran keeper Dennis Onyango made no mistake in the 28th minute when he tucked an excellent pass from Fisayo Dele Bashiru.
In the second half Onyango was replaced after straining his ankle and in the 56th minute things got worse for Uganda, replacement Jamal Salim was given a straight red for handling Osimhen’s shot outside his goal area.
Uganda paid for the red card in the 62nd minute as Samuel Chukwueze laid a pass for Onyedika to slot the ball under Nafian Alionzi, who was still adjusting his gloves and trying to absorb the pressure.
Chukwueze was back again in the 67th minute with his dangerous runs into the Ugandan area, he cut back and threaded the ball on the path of Onyedika who fired home to make it three for the Super Eagles. Onyedika’s brace brought his international goal tally to three from 19 appearances.
Uganda demonstrated they were not yet dead; in the 75th minute Allan Okello with a lob freed Roger Mato to make a run into the Super Eagles area, he chipped on rushing Francis Uzoho to pull one back.
From then on the Super Eagles held on to the ball denying the Cranes the opportunity to move forward. So far Nigeria is the only team that has scored 100 percent in the group stages.
