AFCON 2025: Osimhen statpad mission falters as second-string Super Eagles soar above Cranes

The Super Eagles wrapped up their Group C campaign at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in style, completing the group stage with a flawless record after a 3-1 victory over Uganda at the Stade de Fès on Tuesday evening.

Already through to the round of 16 thanks to wins against Tanzania and Tunisia, head coach Eric Chelle rotated his squad, handing several players opportunities to impress while keeping Victor Osimhen as captain.

Nigeria opened the scoring through Paul Onuachu, who converted a precise pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru after a missed chance seconds earlier. The West Africans doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when Raphael Onyedika slid a shot through the goalkeeper’s legs following a smart delivery from Samuel Chukwueze. 

Five minutes later, the duo combined again, this time with a more composed finish, as Chukwueze navigated past the Ugandan defense and fed Onyedika for a strike from the edge of the box. The Ugandans however got a goal back later in the game.

AFCON 2025: What awaits the Super Eagles in the Round of 16 

With the win, the three-time African champions finish atop Group C with a perfect nine points, setting up a round of 16 clash on January 5 at the same venue. 

The opponent will be the best third-placed team in Group F, with Ivory Coast, Mozambique and Cameroon in the mix for a third-place finish. 

Perfect ending to the group stage!

UGA 🇺🇬 1-3🇳🇬 NGA#UGANGA #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/hymCS0BHAi

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 30, 2025

While the perfect group stage performance is a cause for celebration, history reminds the Super Eagles to stay focused. Nigeria last finished a group stage unbeaten and perfect in Cameroon 2021, only to bow out to Tunisia in the round of 16.

Chelle and his players will be keen to avoid a repeat as they turn their attention to the knockout stages.