Nigeria wrapped up a flawless Group C campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 victory over 10-man Uganda in Fes on Tuesday, thanks to a brace from Raphael Onyedika and a long-awaited goal from Paul Onuachu.

The win sealed a third straight victory for Nigeria, who finished top of the group with a perfect nine points, ahead of Tunisia and Tanzania, both of whom progressed to the Round of 16, Tanzania doing so as one of the four best third-placed sides.

Despite resting several regular starters after already securing qualification, Nigeria delivered another assured and dominant performance, underlining their credentials after finishing runners-up at the last tournament and rebounding from the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Onuachu, who had missed a straightforward chance midway through the first half, made amends in the 28th minute to open the scoring. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed quick footwork down the left before slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the striker, who finished clinically for his first international goal since 2021.

Uganda’s task became even more difficult in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling the ball well outside his penalty area to deny a shot from Victor Osimhen.

The dismissal compounded Uganda’s problems, forcing coach Paul Put to deploy a third goalkeeper in the match. Magoola had only come on at half-time to replace injured starter Denis Onyango, with Nafian Alionzi subsequently introduced after the red card.

Nigeria capitalised swiftly. In the 62nd minute, Onyedika collected a pass from Samuel Chukwueze and fired a low shot through the legs of Alionzi to double the lead. Five minutes later, the midfielder struck again, side-footing home after Chukwueze created space down the right for his second assist of the night.

Uganda managed a consolation goal with 15 minutes remaining when Nigeria briefly switched off defensively, allowing Rogers Mato to latch onto a pass from Allan Okello and delicately lift the ball over the goalkeeper.

The result ended Uganda’s campaign and capped a turbulent tournament for the East Africans, while Nigeria head into the knockout phase with confidence, momentum and an unblemished group-stage record.

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By Kunle Solaja

• A difficult rivalry
  • Historically, Nigeria have always found Uganda a hard nut to crack.
  • In eight previous confrontations, Uganda have recorded four victories, underlining the competitive nature of this fixture.
• 1978 AFCON heartbreak
  • Uganda famously eliminated Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, a result that still stands as one of the biggest upsets involving the then Green Eagles.
• Ighalo’s beginning
  • Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo made his international debut in a home defeat to Uganda in 2015, marking a significant personal milestone on a difficult night for Nigeria.
• Enyeama’s spoiled landmark
  • Uganda also ruined a historic moment for former Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, defeating Nigeria 1–0 in Uyo during a ceremonial match held to mark his 100th international cap, played in his state of origin.

• Uganda beat Nigeria 1-0 at home in a match that marked Vincent Enyeama’s 100th cap
• Recurring theme
  • The shock 2–1 defeat inflicted by Uganda at the 1978 AFCON, which knocked Nigeria out of the tournament, remains a defining reference point whenever the two sides meet.

These historical touchpoints add extra edge and context as Nigeria and Uganda face off once again.

Nigeria -Uganda: Head-to-Head

Teams	P	W	D	L	F	A
Uganda	8	4	2	2	6	5
Nigeria	8	2	2	4	5	6

DATE	MATCH/VENUE	SCORELINE
14 March 1978	AFCON, Kumasi	Uganda 2-1 Nigeria
26 September 1981	Friendly, Kampala	Uganda 1-0 Nigeria
29 August 1992	AFCON qualifier, Lagos	Nigeria 2-0 Uganda
17 July 1993	AFCON qualifier, Kampala	Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
24 March 2007	AFCON qualifier, Abeokuta	Nigeria 1-0 Uganda
2 June 2007	AFCON qualifier, Kampala	Uganda 2-1 Nigeria
25 March 2015	Friendly, Uyo	Nigeria 0-1 Uganda
20 November 2018	Friendly, Asaba	Nigeria 0-0 Uganda

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By Kunle Solaja.

This Tuesday evening in Fès, the Africa Cup of Nations will once again pit history against destiny.

Nigeria, three-time champions and already assured of a place in the Round of 16, face Uganda in a clash that means everything to the Cranes.

For Uche Ikpeazu, the forward of Nigerian descent who has become Uganda’s unlikely talisman, the match is more than just another fixture—it is a personal mission.

Ikpeazu, who rescued Uganda with a crucial equalizer against Tanzania, knows the weight of expectation. “I came here to fight for Uganda, to give everything I have,” he said after Sunday’s draw.

“We still have a chance, and we must believe.” His words carry the urgency of a team stuck on one point, needing victory to extend their stay in Morocco.

Uganda’s path has been littered with missed opportunities. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates rued Allan Okelo’s missed penalty against Tanzania, a moment that could have changed their fortunes. Now, the Cranes must summon courage against a Nigerian side brimming with confidence and intent on maintaining their winning rhythm.

Nigeria’s arsenal is formidable. Victor Osimhen, fresh off his 27th birthday, has 32 goals in 48 appearances and is eager to mark the occasion with another strike.

Alongside him, Ademola Lookman has been electric, scoring twice and assisting twice in this tournament, his left-footed missiles reminding Africa why he is among its finest. Behind them, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka have orchestrated a midfield that looks unbreakable.

Yet Uganda can draw strength from history. In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have beaten Nigeria four times, including the unforgettable 1978 semi-final when Philip Omondi’s winner stunned the Super Eagles.

Omondi later became the tournament’s top scorer.

Uganda have only twice progressed beyond the group stage—1978 and 2019—but the belief remains that they can upset giants when least expected.

Coach Paul Put is expected to start Ikpeazu, hoping his physical presence and determination can unsettle Nigeria’s defence. Alongside him, James Bogere, Denis Omedi, and Okello will be tasked with finding the goals that could rewrite Uganda’s AFCON story.

Nigeria, meanwhile, chase milestones of their own. With 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, they are poised to reach the 150 mark, a testament to their enduring dominance. Captain Ndidi summed up the mood: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is on the next game.”

For Ikpeazu, the clash is personal. Born of Nigerian roots but carrying Uganda’s hopes, he stands at the crossroads of heritage and ambition. As the sun sets over the Complexe Sportif de Fès, his performance could decide whether Uganda’s journey continues—or ends against the very nation of his descent.

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