Two goals from midfielder Raphael Onyedika sealed a third straight win for Nigeria and sent Uganda home from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides started brightly in Fes, with Uganda seizing the initiative early on as they looked to give themselves the best chance of staying in the competition.
However, the Super Eagles’ quality soon showed, with Moses Simon bright before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru danced into the box and laid the opening goal on a plate for Paul Onuachu.
The first half ended with Nigeria in control and the Super Eagles applied plenty of pressure as the second period started, and it quickly paid off as Victor Osimhen ran clear and forced Salim Jamal Magoola into making a save outside of his area, with the Uganda ‘keeper subsequently sent off.
Nigeria quickly capitalised on the one-man advantage as Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead before turning home a second moments later, with the Club Brugge man’s goals enough to seal a win for the Super Eagles despite Rogers Mato’s consolation.
Follow the latest updates from the match below
Uganda vs Nigeria live
- Nigeria beat Uganda at Afcon to send Cranes home from tournament
- 76' GOAL! Mato pulls one back for Uganda [UGA 1-3 NGA]
- 66' GOAL! Onyedika fires in for brace [UGA 0-3 NGA]
- 63' GOAL! Onyedika doubles lead after red [UGA 0-2 NGA]
- 57' RED CARD! 'Keeper Salim sent off for handball outside of box [UGA 0-1 NGA]
- 29' GOAL! Onuachu taps in to open scoring [UGA 0-1 NGA]
Afcon Round of 16 ties
18:45 , Chris WilsonWe know some of the ties for the round of 16 now too, so here’s what we know so far:
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Mali vs Tunisia, Casablanca
Winner Group D vs 3rd Group E, Tangier
Sunday, January 4, 2026
South Africa vs Runner-up Group F, Rabat
Morocco vs Tanzania, Rabat
Monday, January 5, 2026
Nigeria vs 3rd Group F, Fes
Egypt vs 3rd Group D, Agadir
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group E, Marrakesh
Algeria vs Runner-up Group D, Rabat
Afcon Group Stage fixtures
18:30 , Chris WilsonHere are the remaining fixtures in the group stage at Afcon:
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Benin v Senegal | 7:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Botswana v Congo DR | 7:00 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Equatorial Guinea v Algeria | 4:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Sudan v Burkina Faso | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Gabon v Ivory Coast | 7:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Mozambique v Cameroon | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Next up
18:20 , Chris WilsonNigeria do not yet know their next Afcon fixture, though they do know they will be facing the third-placed team from Group F.
At present, that could end up being any of the nations in the group, from Ivory Coast and Cameroon to Mozambique and Gabon.
FULL-TIME! Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
18:09 , Chris WilsonThe result doesn’t change much as Nigeria knew they had already topped Group C, though now we know that Tunisia will be joining them after they finished second. Tunisia will be facing Mali in the next round.
Tanzania finished in third and they will now face Morocco in the round of 16 on 4 January.
FULL-TIME! Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
18:05 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:58 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and Uganda will be going home from Afcon 2025, with Nigeria maintaining a 100 per cent record to top the group!
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:57 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Final sub for Nigeria as Chukwueze makes way for Salim Fago Lawal.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:56 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Mato’s free-kick is well over and that might be Uganda’s last chance.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:54 , Chris Wilson90 mins
A late yellow card for Awaziem as he clips Mukwala.
We’ll have four minutes of additional time in Fes.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:52 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Just not quite happening for Uganda as they run the ball out of play on the attack.
The Cranes are heading for a bottom-placed finish in Group C.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:51 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Plenty of to-ing and fro-ing from both sides but neither has been able to fashion a chance in the last five minutes or so.
Victor Osimhen has now come off, making way for Akor Adams.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:45 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Maybe still a chance for Uganda to get back into this but the Cranes can’t quite manage to sustain any pressure, which is understandable.
GOAL! Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:41 , Chris Wilson76 mins
GOAL! Uganda have one back! The Cranes might be back in it as Okello threads a lovely pass into the path of Mato, who clips a great finish into the corner past the onrushing Uzoho.
Uganda 0-3 Nigeria
17:38 , Chris Wilson74 mins
What a chance! Nigeria should have a fourth as Chukwueze swings a ball towards Awaziem at the back post, but he can;t get clean contact.
Uganda 0-3 Nigeria
17:35 , Chris Wilson71 mins
As expected, Nigeria are completely dominant here, with Uganda struggling to get out of their defensive third.
The latest cross into the Uganda box comes in from the left but the header is over the bar.
GOAL! Uganda 0-3 Nigeria
17:31 , Chris Wilson66 mins
GOAL! That has certainly wrapped it up.
It’s Onyedika again, with the midfielder arriving in the box to fire the cutback past Alionzi for a brace!
GOAL! Uganda 0-2 Nigeria
17:28 , Chris Wilson63 mins
GOAL! That could well be that, and it’s a well-taken second for Raphael Onyedika.
The Brugge man latches onto Chukwueze’s pass, with a superb first touch taking him into the box before he fires through the ‘keeper’s legs for 2-0.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:24 , Chris Wilson61 mins
The free-kick is in a promising position around 25 yards out but Chukwueze blazes over.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:23 , Chris Wilson59 mins
We’ll see the third Uganda ‘keeper of the match as Alhassan is sacrificed for Alionzi Nafian Legason.
What can the 10-man Cranes muster up over the next 30 minutes in Fes?
RED CARD! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:21 , Chris Wilson57 mins
RED CARD! Uganda sub ‘keeper Salim is shown a straight red for ‘saving’ a shot from Osimhen outside of the box!
The Nigeria striker was more or less 1-v-1 with the ‘keeper and he looked to lift an effort over him but Salim reacted without thinking, saving the effort when outside his area!
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:19 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Nigeria are beginning to dominate this half but it still hasn’t quite clicked in attack, with Salim collecting the latest ball into the box.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:14 , Chris Wilson51 mins
CHANCE! A great opportunity for Nigeria as the corner from the right is nicked towards the back post but an unmarked Awaziem can’t steer his effort on target!
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:11 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Half a chance for Uganda as Mukwala arrives at the back post, but the flag goes up for offside.
Moments later, a free-kick from 35 yards out is headed forward but runs out for a goal kick.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:09 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Subs for both sides at half-time, with Uganda bringing on Steven Mukwala and Allan Okello for Mutyaba and Omedi, while ‘keeper Onyango makes way for Salim Jamal Magoola.
Chodozie Awaziem comes on for Bassey for the Super Eagles.
KICK-OFF! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:09 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Fes! What can Uganda produce as they look to stay in the competition?
HALF-TIME! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:04 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a fairly entertaining half in Fes, with both sides pushing for goals early on and Uganda remaining a threat despite falling behind.
However, the Cranes have it all to do in the second half as they look to grab third – or even second – in Group C.
What can they serve up in the second half? We’ll find out soon, with kick-off not far away.
HALF-TIME! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:51 , Chris WilsonThe Cranes are looking to get forward late on but it’s not really clicking in attack at the moment.
At the other end, Simon is disappointed as the through ball towards him runs out of play.
Uganda make one last venture forward but they lose it in the final third and Nigeria look happy to see the rest of the half out in possession, but Chukwueze gets forward and wins a free-kick on the right-wing touchline.
The set-piece is cleared and the referee blows the whistle for half -time, with the Super Eagles in the lead at the break!
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A late free-kick from around 30 yards for Uganda but the effort is blasted straight into the wall before the rebound is fired over.
We’ll have four minutes of added time here.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:43 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Once again, Onyango decides to stay on for now. The 40-year-old is in discomfort but he’s moviong okay for now.
His side have some defending to do almost right away as there’s a good block in the box from a long-range effort.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:40 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Half a chance for Nigeria again as Onuachu brings down Simon’s cross but rather than shoot he tries to lay it off to Osimhen and a touch from the defender takes it to Onyango.
The Uganda ‘keeper is down again and Salim Jamal Magoola is warming up again.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:36 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Salim Jamal Magoola was warming up on the touchline but it seems like Onyango is okay to carry on.
That free-kick is from about 35 yards in the end but the delivery is a poor one, outrunning every player in the box and going out for a goal kick.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:33 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Uganda have it all to do in Fes now. They do have a free-kick to take around 30 yards out but there’s another break in play as Onyango is once again down, and he looks like he’ll have to come off.
GOAL! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:31 , Chris Wilson29 mins
GOAL! Moments after missing a chance, Onuachu makes up for it by opening the scoring!
Dele-Bashiru gets loose in the box and he tempts the ‘keeper off his line before squaring it for Onuachu to tap into an empty net!
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:28 , Chris Wilson28 mins
CLOSE! The best chance of the game so far and what a save this is!
Nigeria get forward and play a long ball to Osimhen, who brings it down before laying it off to Onuachu, who fires too close to Onyango!
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:27 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Plenty of patient build-up from Nigeria, which you might expect from a side who have first place wrapped up. Worth remembering that a couple of these players will be trying to earn a starting berth of their own though.
The Super Eagles keep the ball for a couple of minutes before Bassey spreads it wide to Chukwueze. The Fulham man looks up and tries to find Onuachu in the box, but Onyango is off his line well to catch the cross.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:23 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Another break in play here as Onyango is treated after he seemingly twisted his ankle trying to prevent a corner.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:21 , Chris Wilson19 mins
You might have expected Nigeria to dominate possession in this one, even with a changed side, though Uganda are managing to get forward with ease at times.
However, Nigeria look dangerous whenever they do come forward, with Simon and Osimhen in particular both threatening.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:18 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Some lovely running from Kayondo ends with the full-back getting into the area and seeing his cross turned behind, but Uganda can’t make anything of the corner.
Both sides have settled fairly well but it’s arguably Uganda who are having the better of it at the moment.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:15 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Not quite happening for either side in attack yet, with Omedi narrowly failing to get into the end of a free-kick at the back post for Uganda.
At the other end, Alebiosu collides with the advertising boards and he looks like he might treatment too.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:11 , Chris Wilson10 mins
The first real chance of the game falls to Nigeria, as Simon beats two defenders down the left to get into the box before cutting it back in. It looks like Chukwueze will fire in the opener but he can’t get clean contact!
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:07 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Mato fires the free-kick well wide but Uganda win it back soon after. Ikpeazu does very well to get away down the left but his cross is tame and straight to a defender.
Mato has stayed down after a collision and there’s a short break as he’s treated.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:05 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Some decent sustained possession for Uganda, who keep the ball for a while before Alhassan’s through ball threatens to casue a problem and Bassey hauls down Ikpeazu.
Harsh on the Fulham man as he was being dragged down too but he’s yellow carded early on!
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:02 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Half a chance for Nigeria already as Osimhen gets in behind before driving a half-volley at the ‘keeper, but he had strayed offside.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:02 , Chris Wilson1 min
An interesting start from Uganda as they boot the ball out of play for a Nigeria goal kick. Perhaps a sign of the type of the gameplan the Cranes will be utilising!
KICK-OFF! Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Fes! A big afternoon for Uganda as they look to squeeze into third or even second place in Group C.
Uganda vs Nigeria live
15:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides have made their way onto the pitch at the Fez Stadium. We’ll have the national anthems and then we’ll be underway right after.
How can I watch the match?
15:49 , Chris WilsonJust 10 minutes until kick-off in Fes, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch the match.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4pm GMT at the Fez Stadium, and viewers in the UK can watch live on 4seven, with coverage starting at 3.55pm.
What's at stake in Group C
15:45 , Jamie BraidwoodNigeria may be safely through but there will be a three-way fight for the other spots in the last-16 as Group C reaches its conclusion. Uganda have to win while Tunisia would likely need a draw against Tanzania, who would also require a victory.
Team news
15:35 , Chris WilsonPlenty of changes for Nigeria, with just three players remaining from the side that beat Tunisia 3-2.
In goal, Omonoia’s Francis Uzoho replaces Stanley Nwabali, while in defence Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi make way for Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu.
The midfied trio is completey rotated, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze and Raphael Onyedika coming in, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are replaced by Paul Onuachu and Moses Simon.
Uganda have made just two changes from the draw against Tanzania, with Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi replaced by Denis Omedi and Uche Ikpeazu in attack.
Line-ups
15:25 , Chris WilsonUganda XI: Onyango; Semakula, Sibbick, Obita, Kayondo; Byaruhanga, Mutyaba, Alhassan; Omedi, Ikpeazu, Mato.
Subs: Legason, Torach, Aucho, Mukwala, Ssekiganda, Mpande, Magoola, Muleme, Okelo, Ssemugabi, Bogere, Kwikiriza, Mukundane, Lorenzen, Ahimbisibwe.
Line-ups
15:21 , Chris WilsonNigeria XI: Uzoho; Alebiosu, Igoh, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika, Chukwueze; Onuachu, Osimhen, Simon.
Subs: Osayi, Sanusi, Ndidi, Ajayi, Lookman, Onyeka, Obasogie, Iwobi, Aziem, Adams, Nwabali, Ejuke, Lawal, Akinsanmiro, Nnadi.
TEAM NEWS 🗞️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 30, 2025
©️ Osimhen leads the team
👕 91st cap for Moses Simon
🆕 Debut for Ryan Alebiosu
Let’s wrap up Group C in style, Naija 🇳🇬💪🏿#UGANGA #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/6o1yEq34v0
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
15:10 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Africa Cup of Nations is back and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4, including this afternoon’s clash between Nigeria and Uganda.
Morocco coach hails 'unity' after reaching knockout stages
14:55 , Jamie BraidwoodA convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia for the Africa Cup of Nations hosts lifted the mood in Morocco as coach Walid Regragui put criticism of his team’ss start to the tournament down to the passion of the fans.
Morocco are strong favourites to win the tournament on home soil but started their campaign looking like a team weighed down by the burden of expectation. After a nervy opening day win over tiny Comoros and then a 1-1 draw with Mali, they put on a thrilling performance on Monday to romp past Zambia and make sure of top place in Group A.
Regragui had come in for stinging criticism after the first two games and issued an apology on social media after the disappointing showing against Mali, which ended a record-setting run of 19 successive victories for the national team.
But after yesterday’s triumph, he went out of his way to praise the supporters, some of whom had jeered him before the game, calling for unity in the quest to win Morocco’s first Cup of Nations title in a half century.
"We play as a team of 12,” he said. “We feel the whole country behind us. The supporters shouted and sang from the first minute. It was a benchmark match in terms of unity.”
Elsewhere at the Africa Cup of Nations
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodDefending champions Ivory Coast were forced to share the spoils with fellow contenders Cameroon as a thrilling clash of Africa Cup of Nations heavyweights lived up to expectations.
After neither side could convert their chances before half-time, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo broke the deadlock in brilliant fashion as he curled his effort into the top corner in the 51st minute.
Ivory Coast's advantage would last just five minutes, however, with Junior Tchamadeu's effort taking a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan to fortuitously fly beyond Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and level things for Cameroon.
Both sides pushed for a winner, with Bryan Mbeumo coming close with a free-kick, but it ended all square to keep things precariously open in Group F going into the final round of fixtures.
Elsewhere at the Africa Cup of Nations
14:25 , Jamie BraidwoodSouth Africa survived a scare from Zimbabwe to seal their place in the 2025 Afcon knockout stages, joining Group B winners Egypt following a thrilling climax.
Bafana Bafana dominated the early stages and took a seventh-minute lead through Tshepang Moremi’s deflected strike, only for a stunning individual effort from Tawanda Maswanhise to draw Zimbabwe level.
A defensive catastrophe allowed Burnley striker Lyle Foster to re-establish South Africa’s lead before defender Aubrey Modiba fell victim to a freak own goal, once again cancelling out their lead.
But after Marvelous Nakamba’s mindless handball in the box gifted South Africa another chance to go ahead, Oswin Appollis converted from the spot to ultimately prove the difference, securing safe passage for Hugo Broos’ side.
Egypt, who had already qualified for the last 16, rested the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for their group finale with Angola, one which ended in a goalless draw.
Before then
14:10 , Jamie BraidwoodAdemola Lookman scored a superb second-half winner as Nigeria earned a nervy Africa Cup of Nations victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener.
Getting over the line in the pouring rain, it positive start for the tournament runners-up from two years ago, but one that was not without moments of alarm.
Nigeria were more dominant than the scoreline suggests in terms of possession and chances, but they failed to finish off the contest and were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal by their east African opponents.
Last time out
14:05 , Jamie BraidwoodNigeria put on an impressive display of attacking prowess but had to hang on for a narrow 3–2 win over Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, becoming the second team to secure a place in the last 16.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring a minute before halftime, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman adding two more goals after the break.
Tunisia mounted a late comeback through goals from defenders Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, setting up a frenetic finish.
It was Nigeria’s second win in Group C and confirms they will top the standings, even with one group-stage match still to play.
Hello and welcome
14:00 , Jamie BraidwoodNigeria take on Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations this afternoon as both sides face their final match of the group stage in Morocco.
The Super Eagles enter their final group game having already secured first place in Group C, with the tense 3-2 victory over Tunisia last time out meaning they will face one of the third-placed teams in the round of 16.
