Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday night defeated Uganda 3-1 to secure maximum 9 points to lead AFCON Group C, and will wait for their Round Of 16 opponents.

The last group match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Uganda began on a bright note with Victor Osimhen leading as Captain of the side.

Paul Onuachu, who missed two clear goals earlier netted Nigeria’s opening goal before Onyedika’s brace sealed victory for the Nigerian side, though the Ugandans pulled a goal back in the second half.

Referee of the day issued a yellow card to Bassey for a foul against Ugandan striker right in front of the marked area, the resultant free kick was wasted.

In the 9th minute, Moses Simon breaks through from the left flank, comes with a killer pass into Uganda’s six yards, but a free Paul Onuachu missesld the ball, leaving an Ugandan defender to clear away.

By the quarter hour mark, Uganda was through from the left flank, but a pullout meant for Ikpeazu (Nigerian-born) Uganda striker went wild. It’s on record that Ikpeazu tried many times to play for Nigeria, having been encouraged by his Nigerian father, though his mother is Ugandan, but he chose to represent Uganda when he was not considered by Eagles ‘s coaches.

Nigeria’s first goal however came in when Paul Onuachu pounced on a cross from Bashiru deep in the box in the 21st minute..

In the 35th minute, an ambitious Bashiru all alone took the ball from center circle, dribbles through the opponents vital area, with Osimhen and Simon free inside the box, but the midfielder failed to pass and lost possession.

With just two minutes to the break, Uganda was awarded a free kick at 20 meters to Nigeria’s goal area but no stress for Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho as the chance was ballooned over the bar.

Half time score remained 0-1 in favour of Nigeria, and the Eagles continued with their aggressive play though Awaziem failed to convert a clear chance in the 48th minute when Simon found him from a corner kick.

What could have been Osimhen’s goal in the 57th minute was punctured by Ugandan goalkeeper, who already left his box grabbed Osimhen’s volley.

The Ugandan number two goalkeeper was issued a red card, paving the way for the third goalie to come in, as first choice keeper was substituted earlier due to injury.

However, Onyedika scored Nigeria’s second goal on 62 minutes through a classic finish, and later clinch his brace for the Eagles just before the Ugandans reduced the tally by a goal in the 74th minute due to poor marksmanship in Nigeria’s defence.

In the 85tj minute, Ikpeazu was  substituted, ending his dream to score against his fatherland, while Nigeria’s Osimhen was also substituted.

Awaziem bagged a yellow card during the last minutes of the match, as the Nigerians went home with their third consecutive victory in the 2025 AFCON Group C tournament.