Nigeria sweep group as 10-man Uganda use three keepers

1 week ago 2

CAF Africa Cup of Nations

Uganda 1 - 3 Nigeria FT

An image showing a referee in a blue top and black shorts brandishing a red card high in his right hand to send off Uganda goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who is walking out of the picture on the right-hand side in all black kit, with his head bowed and his arms outstretched either side of his body. Nigeria's tall forward Paul Onuachu is on the far left of the image, just behind the referee, in white kit with green trim, with sweat glistening on his face under the floodlights

Much-changed Nigeria finished the group stage perfect after three games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), sweeping aside an eliminated Uganda side who were reduced to 10 men and forced to use all three goalkeepers in their squad.

Having already secured top spot in Group C, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle rotated eight starters from the victory against Tunisia, with Victor Osimhen captain.

In a relatively even first half, the Super Eagles took the lead in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, but an innocuous-looking injury to Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango was almost as important.

The 40-year-old struggled through to half-time and was replaced by Salim Magoola, who was shown a straight red card 11 minutes later for saving an attempted lob by Osimhen while well outside his area.

Third-choice keeper Nafian Alionzi was beaten six minutes after coming on by Raphael Onyedika, who struck again from inside the box for Nigeria's third five minutes later.

The Cranes did manage a consolation in the 75th minute when Allan Okello found Rogers Mato's fine diagonal run, allowing the recipient to chip a finish over the onrushing Francis Uzoho.

Nigeria will remain in Fes and face the third-placed team from Group F - Mozambique, Cameroon or Ivory Coast - on Monday (19:00 GMT).

Uganda, meanwhile, exit the tournament and extend their winless run at Afcon to six matches since 2019.

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