Super Eagles Secure Dominant Victory in Group C Finale

The Super Eagles exhibited a commanding performance from the outset, aiming for maximum points in their group stage for the third consecutive match.

Legendary Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango sustained a severe ankle injury in the 23rd minute, leading to his substitution at halftime.

The finalists from 2023 had a significant opportunity to score in the 28th minute when Victor Osimhen outmaneuvered defenders and set up Paul Onuachu, whose lackluster shot was expertly saved by the veteran keeper.

Shortly after, Nigeria took the lead as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru skillfully assisted Onuachu in the area, allowing the towering striker to find the back of the net with ease.

The Uganda Cranes were fortunate not to concede more than one goal in the first half, partly due to Nigeria’s indecisiveness in the attacking third.

In the second half, Richards Bay custodian Salim Magoola replaced Onyango, but just ten minutes later, he was sent off after handling the ball outside the penalty area, leading to Baba Alhassan’s substitution for Nafian Alionzi.

Nigeria extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Raphael Onyedika took advantage of a pass from Samuel Chukwueze in the area.

Onyedika completed his brace in the 67th minute, once again assisted by Chukwueze.

Despite being a man down, Uganda Cranes managed to score a consolation goal in the 75th minute when Allan Okello found Rogers Mato, who easily beat the goalkeeper.

The match concluded with a 3-1 victory for the Super Eagles, who finished the group stage with a perfect record, winning all their Group C matches.

Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on December 23, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Charles M’Mombwa netted for the Taifa Stars.

In their second match against Tunisia, Nigeria demonstrated resilience, winning 3-2 with goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman. Tunisia’s response came from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi.

As a result, Nigeria topped the group, while Uganda finished at the bottom with only a single point from a 1-1 draw against Tanzania.

Nigeria now advances to the Last 16 alongside Tunisia, who secured four points from a win, a draw, and a loss.

The Carthage Eagles triumphed over Uganda 3-1 in their opening Group C match, with goals from Ellyes Skhiri and a brace from Mohamed Achouri, while Omedi Denis scored for Uganda in stoppage time.

Nigeria will await their opponent from Group F, likely Mozambique, who currently have three points. Tunisia faces a challenging match against Mali in the knockout stage, while Tanzania will confront the hosts, Morocco. Angola has been officially eliminated from the tournament.