A much-changed Super Eagles of Nigeria thumped the Cranes of Uganda 3-1 in Fes on Tuesday night to complete their AFCON 2025 group stage with a perfect record, www.aclsports.com reports.
With wins against Tanzania and Tunisia in the first two games, Nigeria were guaranteed top spot before the start of this match day, while the Cranes stood with a slim chance of qualifying if they managed to get a win.
Head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to the side that defeated Tunisia in Fes. Only Victor Osimhen, who turned 27 on Monday, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey retained their places in the team. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho started in goal, while there were also starts for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Ryan Alebiosu, and Igoh Ogbu, among others.
Despite the wholesome changes, Nigeria started the game well, dominating proceedings. However, the opening goal of the game did not come until minutes before the half-hour mark. Striker Paul Onuachu, moments after missing a big chance, finished off Dele-Bashiru’s cut-back in the 28th minute.
After the break, any means of getting back in the game became difficult for the Cranes after goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who came on for veteran Denis Onyango at the break, handled Victor Osimhen’s effort outside the box.
With the numerical advantage, the Super Eagles scored twice in five minutes to put the game beyond the East Africans. Raphael Onyedika latched onto a pass from Samuel Chukwueze for his first AFCON goal in the 62nd minute before the two combined again five minutes later for the Club Brugge midfielder’s second goal of the game.
With their first real chance of the game, the Ugandans pulled one back through Rogers Mato after some fine build-up play in the 75th minute. Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Fago made their AFCON debut for Nigeria in the final quarter of the game, as Nigeria saw out the game comfortably.
Just like at the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon, the Super Eagles have finished top of their group with a 100% record, and will now wait for their round of 16 opposition.
