Super Eagles side maintained Nigeria’s flawless run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, brushing aside Uganda’s Cranes 3-1 in Fes on Tuesday night to seal top spot in their group with a 100 per cent record.

Already assured of first place after victories over Tanzania and Tunisia, Nigeria approached the final group game with freedom, while Uganda needed a win to keep faint qualification hopes alive.

Head coach Eric Chelle rang the changes, making eight alterations to the team that defeated Tunisia. Only Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey kept their places, as Francis Uzoho started in goal alongside fresh faces including Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu.

Despite the wholesale rotation, the Super Eagles controlled the early exchanges and dictated the tempo. The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu, moments after spurning a clear opening, made amends by turning in Dele-Bashiru’s low cut-back.

Uganda’s task became even more difficult shortly after the restart when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola, introduced at half-time, was sent off for handling Osimhen’s effort outside the penalty area.

Nigeria made their numerical advantage count, scoring twice in a devastating five-minute spell. Raphael Onyedika marked his AFCON breakthrough by slotting home from Chukwueze’s pass in the 62nd minute, before the same combination struck again five minutes later as the Club Brugge midfielder claimed his second of the night.

The Cranes pulled one back with their first meaningful chance of the match, Rogers Mato finishing off a neat passing move in the 75th minute, but it did little to alter the outcome.

Debutants Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Fago were introduced late on as Nigeria comfortably saw out the contest, underlining their depth and control.