Nigeria showcased their squad depth as Paul Onuachu scored the first-half opener, while Raphael Onyedika struck twice in the second half to sink the Cranes.
Head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes to the side that defeated Tunisia, with Francis Uzoho in goal, both Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru deployed in midfield, and Onuachu leading the attack alongside stand-in captain Victor Osimhen.
Uganda started the brighter side and put Nigeria under early pressure, but the defence stood firm against Uche Ikpeazu, the Ugandan striker of Nigerian heritage, whose header sailed well wide.
The Super Eagles, however, grew into the game and began creating chances in quick succession. Onuachu capitalised to give Nigeria the lead, with the Trabzonspor striker slotting home Dele-Bashiru’s low cross in the 37th minute for a 1–0 advantage. It was the 31-year-old’s fourth international goal and his first for Nigeria since March 2021.
Uganda were reduced to 10 men when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who replaced Onyango at halftime, handled the ball outside the box while attempting to stop Osimhen’s lobbed effort. Nigeria took full advantage of the numerical superiority.
The 24-year-old Club Brugge midfielder, Onyedika, made his late runs into the penalty area count, scoring two near-identical goals with composed finishes in the 62nd and 67th minutes to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3–0.
Rogers Mato pulled one back for Uganda with a well-placed shot 15 minutes from time, but Nigeria comfortably saw out the game to claim all three points and finish top of Group C with a perfect nine points.
The victory ended Nigeria’s three-match winless run against Uganda and marked the third consecutive AFCON tournament in which the Super Eagles have completed the group stage unbeaten.
Nigeria will now await their round-of-16 opponents, with the Super Eagles set to face one of the four best third-placed teams drawn from Groups A, B or F.
