NIGERIA showed their class at the Africa Cup of Nations after cruising to a dominant 3-1 win over Uganda in their final Group C match on Tuesday, 30 December.
The Super Eagles finished top of the group with a perfect nine points, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites. Uganda, meanwhile, bowed out of the competition after finishing bottom of the group with just one point. Tanzania ended third on two points.
From the first whistle, Nigeria took control of the game and made their intentions clear. They moved the ball quickly, pressed high and kept Uganda pinned deep in their own half as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Uganda tried to stay organized, but Nigeria's pressure eventually paid off in the 28th minute. Towering striker Paul Onuachu rose above the defence to head home the opener, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead before the break.
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Nigeria continued to knock on the door for a second goal, but Uganda held on to go into halftime trailing by just one goal.
The second half began at a furious pace, with Nigeria stepping up their intensity. Their constant attacks forced mistakes from the Ugandan defence, and in the 62nd minute Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead with a well-taken finish.
The match quickly slipped away from Uganda as Nigeria kept pouring forward. Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, completing his brace in the 67th minute to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
Uganda showed some fighting spirit and managed to pull one back through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but it proved to be little more than a consolation goal.
Nigeria comfortably saw out the rest of the match to wrap up Group C in style and head into the knockout stages full of confidence.
With goals flowing and momentum on their side, the Super Eagles will be eager to carry this form into the business end of the tournament, while Uganda exit AFCON with plenty to reflect on after a tough group-stage campaign.
OTHER RESULT:Tunisia 1 - 1 Tanzania
