Nigeria completed a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda, while Tunisia and Tanzania both secured qualification after sharing the points in their final Group C encounter.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to his starting line-up, but Nigeria’s depth was evident as they controlled the contest from the outset. Moses Simon’s early run down the left almost produced an opener, though Samuel Chukwueze miscued his finish.
Nigeria continued to threaten, with Victor Osimhen at the centre of much of their attacking play. The striker created a clear opening when he drove down the right and cut back for Paul Onuachu, only for veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango to deny the forward from close range.
Paul Onuachu. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Uganda’s resistance was short-lived. Moments later, Onyango failed to deal with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s delivery into the area, allowing Onuachu to turn the ball home and give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Uganda struggled to gain any attacking foothold before the interval, while Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi went close to extending Nigeria’s advantage after the break.
Uganda’s evening deteriorated further when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, introduced at half-time for the injured Onyango, was sent off for handling outside the area while attempting to block an Osimhen effort.
Photo Credit: NFF Comm
Nafian Alionzi was introduced as an emergency replacement, but Nigeria soon capitalised on their numerical advantage.
Chukwueze picked out Raphael Onyedika, who surged into the box and finished confidently to double Nigeria’s lead, before the same combination produced a third, Onyedika again finding space to score after Chukwueze beat his marker.
Onyedika celebrating his goal. Photo Credit: CAF
Uganda did manage a late consolation when Rogers Mato chipped Francis Uzoho, but the result confirmed their elimination, while Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage with maximum points.
Elsewhere in Group C, Tunisia and Tanzania played out a tense 1-1 draw, a result that saw both sides progress. With little separating the teams in a cagey opening period, the game’s first major moment arrived late in the first half when Tunisia were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Gharbi converted from the spot to give the North Africans the lead.
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Tanzania responded shortly after the restart through Feisal Salum, who struck low from outside the box after being set up by Novatus Miroshi, catching Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahman out and restoring parity.
Photo Credit: AFP
The remainder of the contest was largely uneventful, with Tunisia content to manage the game and Tanzania unable to find a decisive breakthrough.
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The draw proved sufficient for both sides, as Tunisia finished second in Group C behind Nigeria, while Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
