Onyedika Shines As Super Eagles Defeat Uganda To Maintain Perfect Run

Raphael Onyedika produced a match-winning performance to lead the Super Eagles to a 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday to end the Nations Cup first round with a perfect record.

Eric Chelle made eight changes to the side that defeated Tunisia 3-2 with Francis Uzoho starting in goal, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey kept their places while Ryan Alebiosu, and Igoh Ogbu replaced Semi Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

In the midfield, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze held sway while Paul Onuachu partnered Victor Osimhen in attack.

Uganda’s Uche Ikpeazu had two early chances but his efforts failed to threaten Uzoho in goal.

In the 25th minute, Onuachu’s effort was saved by the Ugandan goalkeeper before the former Southampton forward made amends three minutes later.

He finished off Dele Bashiru’s pass with aplomb to give Nigeria a deserved lead in the 28th minute.

Early in the second half, Chidozie Awaziem replaced Calvin Bassey while Uganda goalkeeper Onyango came off for Magoola Omar.

Omar was sent off for stopping Osimhen’s effort outside the box with his hand in the 57th minute.

Raphael Onyedika increased Nigeria’s lead in the 62nd minute after finishing past Uganda goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Chukwueze.

Five minutes later, he made it 3-0 from another Chukwueze’s assist to complete his brace for the Super Eagles.

Rogers Mato reduced the deficit for Uganda with a clinical finish past Uzoho in the 75th minute but Nigeria held on to seal a comfortable victory.

The Super Eagles topped Group C with nine points from three matches while scoring eight goals, and conceding four.

Tunisia finished second with four points from three matches after winning one, drawing and losing one while Tanzania finished third with two points, and Uganda in fourth with one point.