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Nigeria vs Uganda 3-1: AFCON 2025 – as it happened

All the updates as Nigeria reach the last 16 with a 100 percent win record in Group C, while 10-man Uganda crash out.

 
 
By Patrick Keddie and Manasi Pathak
Published On 30 Dec 202530 Dec 2025
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This page is now closed, but a summary of the game is available below, and you can click here for our full match report. Thanks for joining us at Al Jazeera Sport.

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This page is now closed, but a summary of the game is available below, and you can click here for our full match report. Thanks for joining us at Al Jazeera Sport.

  • Raphael ‌Onyedika scored twice and Paul Onuachu netted his first international goal in four years as Nigeria beat 10-man Uganda 3-1 to record a third win in Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and send the East African side home.
  • Nigeria finished ⁠top of the pool with nine points followed by Tunisia and Tanzania, who reached the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides following their 1-1 ‌draw with Tunisia on Tuesday.
  • It was a dominant performance from Nigeria despite resting several regulars ‌having already been assured of top spot ‌in the group.
  • Uganda netted ⁠a consolation through Rogers Mato and used three goalkeepers in the game following an injury ‌and a red card for Salim Magoola, another calamity in a chaotic tournament for coach Paul Put’s side.

Keep up to date: Follow Al Jazeera Sport on our website and on X for the latest news, features and live events from around the globe.

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  1. Live updates
  2. Match stats
  3. Lineups
live-orange
30 Dec 2025 - 18:39
 (18:39 GMT)

That’s a wrap!

Our live coverage of Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations has ended.

Nigeria reaffirmed their status as title contenders with their 3-1 victory, maintaining their perfect record.

Uganda, though, were sent home packing, having finished bottom of their group.

Thanks for joining us for the live coverage and we hope to see you soon again!

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30 Dec 2025 - 18:35
 (18:35 GMT)

Also on Al Jazeera Sport

Our focus now shifts to the English Premier League’s gameweek 19, where leaders Arsenal face third-place Aston Villa in a spicy clash in north London.

Al Jazeera’s live coverage has begun ahead of the 20:15 GMT kickoff. Tune in here.

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30 Dec 2025 - 18:20
 (18:20 GMT)

Which teams have qualified for the next round?

The following teams have confirmed their spots in the round of 16:

  • Algeria
  • Nigeria
  • Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Morocco
  • Mali
  • Tunisia
  • Tanzania
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30 Dec 2025 - 18:15
 (18:15 GMT)

Recap: Nigeria complete perfect group campaign with 3-1 win over Uganda

Raphael ‌Onyedika scored twice and Paul Onuachu netted his first international goal in four years as Nigeria beat 10-man Uganda 3-1 on ⁠Tuesday to record a third win in Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and send the East African side home.

Nigeria finished ⁠top of the pool with nine points, followed by second-placed Tunisia and Tanzania, who reached the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides following their 1-1 ‌draw in the other fixture.

It was a dominant performance from Nigeria despite resting several regulars, having already been assured of top spot ‌in the group.

Uganda netted ⁠a consolation through Rogers Mato and used three goalkeepers in the game following an injury ‌and a red card for Salim Magoola, another calamity in a chaotic tournament for coach Paul Put’s side.

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30 Dec 2025 - 18:10
 (18:10 GMT)

Tanzanian party kicks off in Rabat

Tanzania have qualified for AFCON’s round of 16 for the first time!

Their 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat sealed their spot, as one of the four best third-placed sides in the tournament.

Tanzania qualify to the Round of 16 of the 2025 AFCON with just 2 points in Group C

They face Morocco next at Prince Moulay Abdellah, but tonight they won't care, look what it means to them pic.twitter.com/MDMoLLBL7T

— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) December 30, 2025

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30 Dec 2025 - 18:07
 (18:07 GMT)

Let’s hear from Onyedika, the player of the match

“It’s an amazing feeling … we worked hard for today’s game,” said the midfielder, whose brace guided Nigeria to a comfortable victory over Uganda.

“The team showed what we can do in the competition,” he added.

Asked about the Nigerian fans’ support, he said, “Their support helps us on the pitch … we need them throughout the competition.”

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30 Dec 2025 - 18:01
 (18:01 GMT)

Let’s look at Group C

After Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Uganda and Tunisia’s 1-1 draw with Tanzania, here’s how Group C ends:

  • Nigeria finish top of Group C with nine points, maintaining a 100 percent record.
  • Tunisia are second with four points, with one win, one draw and one defeat.
  • Both Nigeria and Tunisia qualify for the round of 16, as the top two teams.
  • Tanzania, third in this group with two points, also advance, on account of being one of the best four third-place sides.
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30 Dec 2025 - 17:58
 (17:58 GMT)

Full time: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

Nigeria become the first team at this year’s tournament to finish group winners with three wins in three games. They go into the last 16 as Group C toppers, while Uganda finish bottom and have been knocked out of AFCON 2025.

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:56
 (17:56 GMT)

Four minutes added

A brief period of added time before the fate of both teams is confirmed.

Nigeria are making their final substitution, introducing Fago for Chukwueze, who bagged two assists.

90+3 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:53
 (17:53 GMT)

Awaziem booked

The Nigerian substitute receives a yellow card for catching Mukwala in the face with his elbow.

89 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:50
 (17:50 GMT)

Osimhen comes off

The striker makes way for Adams as Nigeria make their fourth change. While Osimhen did not get on the scoresheet, he played a role in the first goal and also took over the role of captaincy in Ndidi’s absence.

87 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:49
 (17:49 GMT)

Uganda make final change

Ssemugabi replaces Ikpeazu as Uganda finish their quota of substitutions.

They have a little more than five minutes to add more goals.

85 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:46
 (17:46 GMT)

Nigeria have a free kick in a good spot

It’s just outside the box on the right side.

Chukwueze lifts the ball over the defence, hoping to find Osimhen towards the back post, but Uganda’s goalie Alionzi collects it comfortably.

83 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:42
 (17:42 GMT)

Nigeria make two changes

Coach Chelle takes off Onuachu, who scored the first goal in the opening half. On comes Nnadi for him. Also, Onyamaechi makes way for Sanusi. Nigeria have two more substitutions left, while Uganda have one.

78 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:40
 (17:40 GMT)

GOAL! Mato pulls one back for Uganda

Ten-man Uganda have found the net against the Nigerians!

Substitute Okello cleverly sets up Mato with a pass before Uganda’s #7 chips the ball over goalkeeper Uzoho and into the back of the net.

The comeback may be out of reach for Uganda, but they have done well to score despite their numerical disadvantage.

75 mins: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

Mato scores his team’s first goal past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho [AFP]
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live-orange
30 Dec 2025 - 17:38
 (17:38 GMT)

Chukwueze in the limelight

The Nigerian right winger fires a good cross into the box, as Simon makes a run towards the back post. But he takes a tumble and loses possession.

74 mins: Uganda 0-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:35
 (17:35 GMT)

Onyedika shines in Fez

Before today’s match, Onyedika had only one goal for Nigeria.

He has added two in a single match and still has about 20 minutes more to increase the tally.

72 mins: Uganda 0-3 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:31
 (17:31 GMT)

GOAL! Onyedika sends Nigeria 3-0 up!

Onyedika bags his second goal in the space of five minutes as the Super Eagles soar in Fez!

This time, he finds the bottom right corner from about 14 metres (15 yards) out after latching onto Chukwueze’s cutback following a quick change of play by Onuachu.

What a well-worked goal by the Nigerians!

67 mins: Uganda 0-3 Nigeria

Raphael Onyedika, centre, celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Osimhen and Dele-Bashiru [AFP]
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30 Dec 2025 - 17:29
 (17:29 GMT)

Ikpeazu booked

The Ugandan number 9 is shown a yellow for his reckless tackle.

66 mins: Uganda 0-2 Nigeria

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30 Dec 2025 - 17:28
 (17:28 GMT)

Osimhen offside

Once again, Chukwueze pulls the strings in midfield, playing a clever through ball for Osimhen up top. The Nigerian captain makes a run and tries to beat the goalkeeper at the near post, but Alionzi clears.

Soon after, the linesman raises the flag, signalling Osimhen was offside in the build-up.

64 mins: Uganda 0-2 Nigeria

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Match Summary

 

Match Preview

 
 
 
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