In an exhilarating match, Nigeria maintained their perfect streak by triumphing over a 10-man Uganda team, winning 3-1 in Fes on Tuesday. This victory marked Nigeria's third win in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations, ultimately sending Uganda packing from the tournament.
Nigeria topped the group with a total of nine points, followed closely by Tunisia and Tanzania. The latter secured a spot in the last 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Tunisia, finishing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Despite resting several key players, Nigeria displayed a commanding performance. Uganda attempted to mount a challenge but managed only a consolation goal from Rogers Mato. They faced a challenging situation when they had to use three different goalkeepers during the match due to injury and a red card incident involving Salim Magoola, highlighting the turmoil that has plagued Paul Put’s squad throughout this tournament.
Nigeria's strong showing in the group stage is particularly noteworthy given their finish as runners-up just two years prior, coupled with the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. After a missed opportunity early in the game, Paul Onuachu eventually found the net after 28 minutes, thanks to a well-placed assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Onyedika scored Nigeria's second goal in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a pass from Samuel Chukwueze, striking the ball low past goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi. Just five minutes later, Onyedika added another goal with a precise side-footed shot, once again assisted by Chukwueze. Uganda managed to score their lone goal 15 minutes from time when Mato took advantage of a lapse in concentration from the Nigerian defense, deftly lifting the ball over the Nigerian keeper into the net.
In the other match of the day, Tanzania found their rhythm in the second half, leveling the score against Tunisia with an impressive strike from Feisal Salum just three minutes after the break. Tunisia had initially taken the lead through a penalty by Ismaël Gharbi just before halftime. With this result, Tanzania advanced to the knockout stages.
Tunisia is set to face Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, while Tanzania will take on the host nation Morocco in the first round of knockout matches in Rabat on Sunday.
Looking ahead, later on Tuesday, Benin is scheduled to clash with Senegal, and Botswana will compete against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to conclude Group D. As it stands, Senegal leads the group, tied on points with DRC but ahead on goal difference. Both teams, along with Benin, who has three points, are assured of moving forward to the last 16 at worst as one of the four best third-placed teams. Conversely, Botswana, having lost their first two matches, must secure a win to have any hope of advancing.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing tournament.
