The Super Eagles of Nigeria soared into the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a flawless record, sealing top spot in Group C with a 3-1 victory over a beleaguered Uganda side in Fes on Tuesday. The match was marked by a chaotic performance from the East Africans, who ended the game with ten men and were forced to use three different goalkeepers.
Super Eagles Soar Despite Rotated Side
Having already secured qualification, Nigeria's coach took the opportunity to rest several regular starters. Despite the changes, the team delivered a dominant display. The deadlock was broken after 28 minutes when Paul Onuachu netted his first international goal in four years, finishing neatly after a clever pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Nigeria's control was never seriously threatened, and they extended their lead in the second half through a brace from midfielder Raphael Onyedika. His first, in the 62nd minute, was a low drilled shot following Samuel Chukwueze's pass. Just five minutes later, the pair combined again for Onyedika to side-foot home his second, putting the result beyond doubt.
Uganda's Goalkeeping Crisis and Consolation
For Uganda, the match descended into farce, compounding a difficult tournament for coach Paul Put. An injury to first-choice keeper Denis Onyango forced an early substitution. His replacement, Salim Magoola, was then shown a red card, leading to the introduction of a third goalkeeper, Nafian Alionzi. Using three goalkeepers in a single match is a rare and telling statistic of their misfortune.
The Cranes did manage a late consolation with 15 minutes remaining, as Rogers Mato capitalised on a defensive lapse to lift the ball over the Nigerian keeper. However, the 3-1 defeat confirmed their elimination from the competition.
Tanzania's Historic Progression
In the group's other decisive fixture, Tanzania wrote a new chapter in their football history by securing a place in the last 16. They held Tunisia to a 1-1 draw, a result that proved enough to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Tunisia had taken the lead just before half-time through an Ismaël Gharbi penalty. Tanzania, showing tremendous resilience, fought back after the break. Feisal Salum's powerful strike just three minutes into the second half earned the crucial point that sent the nation into the knockout stages of the Afcon for the first time.
With the group concluded, Nigeria finished with a perfect nine points. Tunisia qualified in second place, while Tanzania's historic single point from three games was enough to keep their dream alive. Nigeria's impressive form, following their final defeat two years ago and the shock of missing 2026 World Cup qualification, marks them as serious contenders as the tournament moves to the knockout phase.
