Nigeria ended their 2025 AFCON group stage run with a 100% record after a win over the Cranes of Uganda. A 3–1 victory for the Super Eagles, with goals from Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika, secured Nigeria’s final group-stage win. A consolation goal from Rogers Mato in the 75th minute was all Uganda managed, as they got on the scoresheet and also denied Nigeria another clean sheet.
Here, Elegbete TV Sports analyses the key talking points from the game.
Onyedika Owned the Stage
Raphael Onyedika got the chance he — and many — had been begging for in this game. And what better way to show that you have deserved it for a long time?
Raphael Onyedika’s chance to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria had been long coming, and he grasped the opportunity fully on the night.
He was almost perfect. He hardly put a foot wrong. In offensive contribution, he scored two goals, had a 97% pass accuracy, and was not dispossessed across 90 minutes.
In defensive contributions, he recorded six ball recoveries, one tackle, one block, and one clearance.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the game, Raphael said, when asked how the night felt for him:
“I feel very happy and I can’t explain how I feel. I have waited for this moment all my life, and I am happy it finally came through.”
Onyedika has shown coach Eric Chelle that he can fit in whenever he is called upon. Now, it remains to be seen if Chelle is fully convinced by tonight’s performance.
Onuachu’s Goal and Impressive Game
Onuachu is not new to playing at the AFCON, but prior to today’s game, he had only featured for the team in the first group match against Tunisia, coming on as an 86th-minute substitute.
Today, Onuachu showed that he can form a good partnership with Victor Osimhen. He was on the pitch for 77 minutes, and he was impressive.
Aside from the opening goal he scored in the 28th minute, he was solid in the duels he won, excellent with his link-up play, and also made runs that troubled the Ugandan defence.
Alebiosu’s Fantastic Debut & Ogbu’s Good Backup
It was Ryan Alebiosu’s first start for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and he put in a solid debut performance. Having been hit with a hefty challenge in the early minutes of the game by Uganda’s Aziz Kayondo, he still came out on top in many of the battles he faced. Offensively, he was rock-solid, gave a strong debut, especially on such a big stage as the AFCON.
Igor Ogbu also provided good backup in defence, winning his duels cleanly and confidently. His pairing with Calvin Bassey was impressive, and he did not leave all the work for Bassey to do. When Chidozie Awaziem came on in the second half, he maintained the same standard, keeping his head throughout the game.
This will greatly help Eric Chelle as Nigeria move into the next round, knowing the players he can rely on when the competition becomes tougher.
Up Next for Nigeria?
Nigeria will play their Round of 16 game in Fez on January 5, against the third-placed team from Group B or F, with kickoff at 8pm WAT.
