Nigeria Edge Past Uganda as Onuachu Strikes in Tense AFCON Group Clash
What we saw in this Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C matchup between Uganda and Nigeria was a game full of tension, rotation, and just enough quality to separate the two sides. Played in Morocco, this was Nigeria’s final group game, and while qualification for the round of 16 had already been secured, pride, momentum, and tactical balance were still very much on the line.
Uganda came into the match needing a result. Sitting near the bottom of the group, hope was still alive that a win could push them through as one of the best third-placed teams. That urgency was visible from the opening moments, as Uganda started with confidence, moving the ball smartly and sending early crosses into dangerous areas. Mutyaba, wearing the number 10 shirt, was particularly lively, showing composure well beyond his years.
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Nigeria, on the other hand, lined up with a heavily rotated side. Several regular starters were rested due to suspension risks, and the formation looked more like a practical 4-4-2 rather than the expected 4-3-3. Even so, the Super Eagles still carried serious attacking threat, especially with Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu paired up front. It was clear early on that Nigeria were happy to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.
The first real warning came when Osimhen burst through on goal, forcing a sharp save from Uganda’s goalkeeper Ismail Watenga Onyango, who would soon become a central figure in the match. Uganda responded with courage, creating moments of danger and even pulling out flashes of flair, including a rabona cross that drew gasps from the crowd.
Then came the turning point. After missing a golden chance just minutes earlier, Paul Onuachu made no mistake the second time around. Nigeria built patiently, a square pass was slipped across the box, and with the goalkeeper drawn out of position, Onuachu calmly tapped into an empty net. The goal, scored in the 28th minute, shifted the tone of the match.
From there, Nigeria managed the game rather than dominating it. The rhythm wasn’t always fluid, which was understandable given the changes, but defensive discipline was maintained. Uganda continued to fight, sending balls into the box and testing Nigeria’s back line, yet clear chances became harder to find.
In the end, Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win was enough to keep their perfect group record intact, while Uganda were left to reflect on another performance full of effort but short on reward. It was a reminder that at this level, moments decide matches, and Nigeria took theirs when it mattered most.
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