Super Eagles celebrating one of their goals
By Richard Tega Enyeh
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Cranes of Uganda 3-1 in the final round of Group C games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to qualify for the round of 16.
Coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to the team that beat Tanzania and Tunisia in earlier matches, but that did not stop the Eagles from dominating the match plated at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
Nigeria took the lead in 28 minutes when Paul Onuachu (Nigeria) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner after being assisted by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The first half ended on that note, but things got worse for the Ugandans early on the restart when goalkeeper Magoola was sent off after racing out of his box and blocking onrushing Victor Osimhen’s shot with his arm.
Onyedika scored the second goal in the 62nd minute after taking a sublime first touch before slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs and into the bottom left corner.
He was to strike again five minutes later to make it 3-0 after finding the bottom right corner from about 14 metres out after latching onto Chukwueze’s cutback following a quick change of play by Onuachu.
The Ugandans however fought back and pulled one back in 75 minutes after substitute Okello cleverly set up Mato with a pass before he chipped the ball over goalkeeper Uzoho and into the back of the net.
The result saw Nigeria bagging the maximum nine points to soar into the round of 16.
