A much-changed Nigeria swept aside Uganda 3-1 to make it three wins from three at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), as their opponents were reduced to 10 men and forced to use all three goalkeepers in their squad.
Having already secured top spot in Group C, coach Eric Chelle rotated eight starters from the victory against Tunisia, with Victor Osimhen captaining the side.
In a relatively even first half, the Super Eagles took the lead in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, but an innocuous-looking injury to Uganda’s veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was almost as important.
The 40-year-old struggled through to half-time when he was replaced by Salim Magoola, who was promptly shown a straight red card 11 minutes later for saving an attempted lob by Osimhen while well outside his area.
It took only six minutes for third-choice keeper Nafian Alionzi to be beaten by Raphael Onyedika, who also scored Nigeria’s third five minutes later.
The Cranes did manage a consolation in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato, who made a fine diagonal run across the pitch, was found by Allan Okello and applied a chipped finish over the onrushing Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria will remain in Fes and face whoever finishes third in Group F – one of Mozambique, Cameroon or Ivory Coast – on Monday (19:00 GMT).
Uganda, meanwhile, exit the tournament and extend their winless run at Afcon to six matches dating back to 2019.
