Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika were on target as Nigeria secured a 3–1 victory over Uganda to complete a perfect nine points in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made several changes to his starting lineup, handing opportunities to Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), and Moses Simon (Paris FC).
With Wilfred Ndidi unavailable, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen captained the side.
Nigeria took the lead in the 28th minute when Onuachu ended his four-year goal drought for the national team, converting a well-weighted assist from Dele-Bashiru.
Early in the second half, Chidozie Awaziem squandered a clear opportunity from a loose ball following a corner in the 50th minute. Moments later, Bruno Onyemachi came close to doubling the lead, firing into the side netting after Osimhen narrowly missed a header.
Uganda’s task became more difficult in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola was sent off for handling Osimhen’s goal-bound shot outside the penalty area.
The Super Eagles capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 67th minute as Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika doubled Nigeria’s lead, finishing off an assist from Samuel Chukwueze, who is currently on loan at Fulham.
Five minutes later, Chukwueze once again played a key role down the right flank, setting up Onyedika to score his second goal of the match and Nigeria’s third.
Uganda managed a consolation goal in the 75th minute, with Rogers Mato finishing calmly after being played through by Allan Okello.
Osimhen, who had a first-half goal ruled out for offside, was substituted in the 87th minute for Sevilla striker Adams Akor as Nigeria comfortably saw out the match.
The win confirms Nigeria’s dominance in Group C, as the Super Eagles finish the qualifiers with a flawless record.
