Raphael Onyedika was the standout performer, scoring twice in quick succession as the Super Eagles took full advantage of Uganda being reduced to 10 men. The Club Brugge midfielder struck in the 62nd and 67th minutes to seal the win after Paul Onuachu had given Nigeria an early lead.

The Super Eagles, already assured of qualification, opened the scoring in the 28th minute through a well-worked team move. Bruno Onyemaechi’s incisive pass released Fisayo Dele-Bashiru down the flank, and his low cross was calmly converted by Onuachu despite heavy pressure from Ugandan defenders.

Uganda’s hopes suffered a major setback shortly after the break when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off in the 56th minute for handling the ball outside his penalty area. Magoola had only just come on to replace veteran captain Denis Onyango at half-time, forcing Uganda to introduce a third goalkeeper, Legason Alionz, before the hour mark.

Nigeria quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage. Onyedika found space twice on the edge of the box, steering precise efforts into the bottom-right corner on both occasions. Samuel Chukwueze played a key role, providing the assists that allowed the midfielder to complete his brace within eight minutes.

The victory means Nigeria finished top of Group C with nine points, having earlier defeated Tanzania and Tunisia. Their quarter-final opponents will be confirmed once the knockout pairings are finalised.

In the group’s other match, Tanzania made history by reaching the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in 45 years. They fought back to draw 1–1 with Tunisia in Rabat, with Feisal Salum cancelling out Ismael Gharbi’s first-half penalty.

Tunisia ended the group in second place with four points, while Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, edging Angola on goals scored.