Among the other teams in Group C, Tanzania advanced to the finals for the first time after drawing 1-1 with Tunisia.
Published December 30, 2025
Rafael Onyedika scored twice and Paul Onuachu scored his first international goal in four years as Nigeria, who had already qualified, defeated 10-man Uganda 3-1, maintaining a 100 percent record after the group stage and sending the East African team home.
Nigeria topped Group C with nine points on Tuesday, followed by Tunisia in second place with four points and Tanzania advanced to the round of 16 as one of the top four teams in third place after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia also on Tuesday.
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Despite resting several of their regular players, Nigeria put in an overwhelming performance and were already assured of first place in their group.
Onuachu missed an easy chance midway through the first half, but found the back of the net after 28 minutes.
Fisayo Dele-Bashir showed quick feet on the left and his pass to Onuachu was perfect for the big forward’s finish. The goal was the striker’s first goal for Nigeria since 2021.
Uganda were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magula used his hands to stop Victor Osimhen’s shot about 9 meters (10 yards) outside the area.
Magola came on at half-time to replace injured starter Dennis Onyango, meaning Uganda had to use a third goalkeeper for the game, bringing on Nafian Alionji for midfielder Baba Alhassan.
Nigeria scored their second goal in the 62nd minute when Onyedika received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze and fired a low shot past Alionji’s legs.
Five minutes later, Onyedika scored with his side foot and Chukwueze scored again with a pass from the right.
Uganda scored a painful goal with 15 minutes remaining as the Nigeria defense briefly fell asleep and Rodgers Mato found time and space from Alan Okello’s pass to slot the ball past the keeper and into the net.
Despite this, Nigeria have performed well in the group stage after suffering the shock of losing to the finalists two years ago and missing out on a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tanzania came from behind to beat fellow qualifier Tunisia 1-1 in Rabat, advancing to the final tournament of the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 45 years.
Ismael Gharbi’s penalty in the 43rd minute gave Tunisia the lead, before Faysal Salm’s powerful shot three minutes into the second half was enough to seal the draw.
This was only Tanzania’s second goal of the tournament, but it proved to be enough to advance as one of the top four with a third-place finish.
Tanzania have been aiming to advance through the group stages since 1980, but are yet to win in four games played.
