Nigeria underlined their depth and attacking quality as they brushed aside Uganda 3-1 in the final Group C fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
The Super Eagles took control early and were rewarded in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu reacted quickest inside the box to finish from close range, giving Nigeria a deserved lead after sustained pressure. Uganda defended bravely but struggled to cope with Nigeria’s movement and physical presence in the final third.
Uganda’s problems deepened shortly after the break when goalkeeper Jamal Salim was sent off for handling the ball outside his area, a turning point that shifted the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour. With the numerical advantage, Nigeria turned the screw.
Raphael Onyedika struck twice in five minutes to put the game beyond reach. In the 62nd minute, he finished clinically from the right side of the box following a well-worked move, before adding a second in the 67th minute with a composed effort from the centre of the area after good work by Samuel Chukwueze.
Despite being a man down, Uganda showed character and pulled one back in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who calmly slotted home after being played through by Allan Okello. The goal briefly lifted Ugandan hopes, but Nigeria managed the closing stages with maturity, limiting chances and seeing out a comfortable win.
In the other Group C match at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, Tanzania delivered one of their best performances of the tournament to hold Tunisia to a 1-1 draw. Tunisia went ahead late in the first half when Ismael Gharbi converted from the penalty spot after VAR intervention, giving the North Africans the advantage at halftime.
Tanzania responded strongly after the break and were level just three minutes into the second half. Feisal Salum produced a moment of brilliance, striking from outside the box to beat the Tunisian goalkeeper and ignite celebrations among the Tanzanian supporters.
Both sides pushed for a winner in an open second half, with chances at either end, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough. Tanzania defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure a valuable point, while Tunisia were left frustrated by missed opportunities.
The combined results confirmed Nigeria’s strong finish to the group, while Tanzania’s draw added another twist to Group C, highlighting the fine margins and competitiveness that have defined the Africa Cup of Nations so far.
