AFCON 2025: Onuachu Scores 1st Goal in 4 Years for Super Eagles As Nigeria Beat Uganda 3-1
- Nigeria edged past Uganda 3-1 to maintain their dominance in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- Paul Onuachu scored his first AFCON goal since making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2019, while Raphael Onyedika scored a brace
- Nigerians have praised coach Eric Chelle for maintaining an unbeaten record at the continental showpiece
Nigeria defeated Uganda 3-1 to finish top of Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Tuesday evening, December 30.
Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika ensured the three-time AFCON winners secured all nine points in Group C.
Source: Getty Images
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made several changes to his lineup, handing starts to Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), and Moses Simon (Paris FC).
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen captained the side in the absence of Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu scored his first goal for Nigeria in four years, with an assist from Dele-Bashiru, per Flash Score.
In the 50th minute, Chidozie Awaziem missed a glorious opportunity after failing to convert a loose ball from a corner kick.
A minute later, Bruno Onyemachi nearly doubled Nigeria’s lead, firing into the side netting after Victor Osimhen missed a header.
In the 56th minute, Uganda were reduced to 10 men after substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola handled Victor Osimhen’s goal-bound effort outside the penalty area.
In the 67th minute, Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika made it two for Nigeria, with an assist from on-loan Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Five minutes later, Chukwueze dazzled the Cranes’ defenders from the right wing to set up Onyedika, who completed his brace.
Source: Getty Images
Rogers Mato scored a consolation goal for Uganda in the 75th minute, connecting with Allan Okello’s through pass.
Victor Osimhen was replaced by Sevilla striker Adams Akor in the 87th minute, having been denied a goal in the first half due to an offside ruling, per Sofa Score.
Fans react
@FemiOlomide said:
"Nice game played guyss. Am proud of u. As I always says many African Africans country are looking forward to how u play so always intensify playing every game as if is the last. Also the defence needs to be careful but however u gais did great. Looking forward for the 2nd half."
@_manutdlovers wrote:
"Congratulations to Paul Onuachu for scoring his first super eagles goal.. many more to come. 🔥🔥"
@dreypapa1 added:
"The best combination in terms of dynamic 4-4-2. In box striker and a playing striker (helping the midfield). We need to see more of this combination❤️💯✅."
Kanu sends prayers to Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo has sent his special prayers to Nigeria ahead of their last group C match.
Nwankwo, popularly known as Papilo commended the three-time AFCON winners for overpowering Tunisia in their second match.
The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist praised the players for gyrating to the iconic Super Eagles music in the early 90's.
Source: Legit.ng
