Nigeria become first nation to reach AFCON 2025 round of 16 with perfect winning record | OneFootball

Nigeria wrapped up a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Uganda today.

The Super Eagles became the first nation to reach the round of 16 with a perfect record, courtesy of goals from Raphael Onyedika (2) and Paul Onuachu.

The result confirmed Nigeria as Group C winners and brought Uganda’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage to an abrupt end. 

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle made eight changes to the side that defeated Tunisia 3-2. Despite the rotation, Nigeria established a foothold in the game early on. 

Moses Simon was lively on the left, and only a poor connection from Samuel Chukwueze denied Nigeria an early breakthrough after some impressive build-up play.

Victor Osimhen remained the focal point of Nigeria’s attack and caused the Ugandan backline plenty of problems throughout the first half. 

He created Nigeria’s first big chance with a strong run down the right, cutting the ball back for Onuachu, whose close-range effort was brilliantly saved by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango. 

Onuachu redeemed himself moments later, turning home a low cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to give Nigeria the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Uganda hardly threatened the Nigerian backline before the break, and things went from bad to worse 10 minutes into the second half. 

Substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling the ball outside his 18-yard area while trying to stop an Osimhen shot.

Reduced to ten men and forced to use a third goalkeeper, Uganda could not cope with Nigeria’s relentless wave of attacks. 

Chukwueze picked out Onyedika, who calmly finished to make it 2-0, before the pair linked up again for Nigeria’s third to put the result beyond doubt.

Uganda scored a consolation goal when Rogers Mato chipped Francis Uzoho, but it was not enough to spark a late comeback.

Nigeria head into the knockout phase with their unbeaten record intact, while Uganda failed to make the most of their first AFCON campaign since 2019.