Nigeria advanced into the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in style with a comfortable 3-1 win over 10-man Uganda in Fes.
A brace from Raphael Onyedika and Paul Onuachu’s lone strike made the Super Eagles the first team in the tournament to grab the maximum nine points from three games in the group stage.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle made seven changes to his starting XI that started in their 3-2 defeat of Tunisia on Saturday but how did each player fare on a scale of 1-10 at the Fez Stadium.
Sports Talk’s Player Ratings: Nigeria vs Uganda.
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho – 6
Uzoho was not really tested in the entire 90 minutes, however, he could not manage to keep a clean sheet, just like Stanley Nwabali who conceded in the last two matches.
Defenders
Ryan Alebiosu – 7
The Blackburn Rovers right-back gave a good account of himself on his first international appearance for the Super Eagles. His pace was an added advantage for Eric Chelle’s team but he was a bit slack in physicality when the Ugandans charge forward.
Igoh Ogbu – 8
It was Ogbu’s first defensive partnership with Calvin Bassey and he showed no signs of weakness. The defensive partnership made life difficult for Uganda to break through from the start of the game.
Calvin Bassey – 7
He was unlucky to have received a yellow card in the opening minutes of the game but the Fulham centre-back showed professionalism and his experience was key in shutting out Uganda’s no. 9 Uche Ikpeazu who did not manage any shot.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 7
Onyemaechi showed his versatility once again. He played as a left-back on Tuesday, even though he featured in the opposite position in Nigeria’s last two games. His timely supply to Moses Simon made the skilful a real threat on the wing.
Midfielders
Samuel Chukwueze – 8
Chukwueze grew into the game in the second-half and his impact were evident with the two assists for Onyedika’s goals. He also made some pinpoint passes to Osimhen but the Galatasaray star was caught offside on several occasions.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 8
A real pivot in the heart of Nigeria’s midfield and he was able to dictate play whenever they are in possession. He capped his fine midfield display with an assist for Onuachu’s opening goal.
Raphael Onyedika – 10
The Club Brugge midfielder was timely with his movement both in defence and attack. His attacking runs and composure resulted in the two goals scored within five minutes. His recovery and charging also won Nigeria the midfield battle against Uganda.
Truly an undisputed man-of-the-match performance.
Moses Simon – 7
The Paris FC winger provided an alternative for the Super Eagles to infilterate Uganda on the flank. His ability to hold on to the ball and dribbles were crucial in Nigeria’s game management technique after going three goals up.
Forwards
Paul Onuachu – 7
Shaked off a big miss with an instant response that resulted in Nigeria’s opening goal. There was a fine connection between him and Osimhen which gave Nigeria options in the final third.
Victor Osimhen – 9
Although he did not find the back of the net, Osimhen led Nigeria to a comfortable win with his leadership as stand-in captain, in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi.
He was not just hungry for goals, he was hungry to win every ball when the team was out of possession.
Substitute
Chidozie Awaziem – 4
Awaziem replaced Calvin Bassey just before the start of the second-half but he was caught sleeping which led to Uganda’s goal through Rogers Mato.
 in style with a comfortable 3-1 win over 10-man Uganda with captain Victor Osimhen and Man-of-the-Match Raphael Onyedika shining n Fes.){kind=link}