Raphael Onyedika has scored twice, and Paul Onuachu has netted his first international goal in four years as already-qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage and send the East African side home.
Nigeria finished top of Group C on Tuesday with nine points, followed by Tunisia in second with four and Tanzania, who reached the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides after their 1-1 draw with Tunisia, also on Tuesday.
It was a dominant performance from Nigeria despite resting several regulars, having already been assured of the top spot in the group.
After Onuachu missed a simple chance midway through the first half, he found the back of the net after 28 minutes.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed quick feet on the left, and his pass in to Onuachu was perfect for the big forward to finish. The goal was the striker’s first for Nigeria since 2021.
Uganda were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola used his hands about 9 metres (10 yards) outside his area to stop a Victor Osimhen shot.
Magoola had been a halftime replacement for injured starter Denis Onyango, so Uganda had to use their third goalkeeper in the game as Nafian Alionzi was brought on for midfielder Baba Alhassan.
Nigeria scored their second goal in the 62nd minute when Onyedika took Samuel Chukwueze’s pass and drilled his shot low through the legs of Alionzi.
Onyedika netted his second five minutes later with a side-footed finish, Chukwueze again the provider with a pass from the right.
Uganda got a consolation goal with 15 minutes left as the Nigerian defence momentarily went to sleep and Rogers Mato had time and space from Allan Okello’s pass to lift the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Nevertheless, Nigeria have impressed in the group stage, having been losing finalists two years ago and following the shock of missing out on 2026 World Cup qualification.
Meanwhile, Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, 45 years after their maiden appearance, by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat.
Feisal Salum’s powerful shot three minutes into the second half was enough to secure the draw after Tunisia had been ahead with a 43rd-minute penalty converted by Ismael Gharbi.
It was only Tanzania’s second point of the tournament but proved enough for them to advance as one of the four best third-placed finishers.
Tanzania have been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage and have still to win a match in four appearances. (AlJazeera)
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