Nigeria Beats Uganda, Completes Perfect AFCON Group Campaign

Nigeria Beats Uganda, Completes Perfect AFCON Group Campaign
Onyedika scored twice as Onuachu ended four year goal drought.
Super Eagles advanced confidently to AFCON round of 16.

Nigeria completed a flawless Group C campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, sealing a third straight win and confirming top spot in the group.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Raphael Onyedika was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Paul Onuachu netted his first international goal in four years to cap a commanding display by the Super Eagles.

Nigeria finished the group with nine points, ahead of Tunisia in second place. Tanzania also progressed to the round of 16 as one of the four best third placed teams after playing out a 1-1 draw in the group’s other fixture.

Already assured of qualification and top spot before kick off, Nigeria rested several regular starters but still dominated proceedings against the East African side.

Onyedika opened the scoring with a composed finish before Onuachu doubled Nigeria’s advantage, ending his long wait for a goal in national colours. The Super Eagles maintained control of the game and added a third goal through Onyedika, who completed his brace with a well taken strike.

Uganda’s situation worsened when Salim Magoola was sent off, leaving his side with 10 men for a large portion of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Uganda pulled one back through Rogers Mato, who scored a consolation goal late in the encounter.

The match also saw Uganda forced to use three different goalkeepers after an injury and the dismissal of Magoola, compounding what has been a difficult and chaotic tournament for coach Paul Put’s team.

Nigeria’s performance underlined their depth and attacking quality as they head into the knockout stage with confidence, having scored freely and conceded just once in the group phase.