Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured a perfect record in the AFCON group stage and are now prepared to face the third-place team from Group F in the Round of 16.
Having already clinched the top spot in Group C, head coach Eric Chelle opted to rest the majority of his starting lineup for the final group match against Uganda in Fez.
Key players including Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman were kept on the bench to avoid potential suspensions, as all were one yellow card away from missing the next round.
However, star striker Victor Osimhen started the match, captaining the side for 87 minutes without receiving a booking.
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Despite the eight changes, Nigeria dominated the encounter to win 3-1.
“Much-changed Nigeria ensured they finished their group campaign in Morocco with a 100 per cent record, with towering former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu sliding in to turn home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross shortly before the half-hour mark,” the report noted.
The lead was extended in the second half by Raphael Onyedika, who scored twice in just five minutes following assists from Samuel Chukwueze.
Uganda’s struggles worsened when substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling the ball outside the area to stop an Osimhen strike.
Although Rogers Mato scored a consolation goal for the Cranes, they finished bottom of the group with just one point.
In the group’s other fixture, Tanzania made history by securing a 1-1 draw against Tunisia, enough to send the Taifa Stars into the knockout stages for the first time ever.
They progressed as one of the best third-place teams, narrowly edging out Angola on goals scored.
Nigeria’s upcoming opponent in the last 16—scheduled for Monday, January 5, in Fez—will be determined on Wednesday following the conclusion of Group F.
The opponent is expected to be either Cameroon or Mozambique.
“Angola’s exit means Nigeria will play the third-place finishers from Group F in the last 16 at AFCON, in a tie that will take place back at the Fez Stadium on Monday night (January 5),” the statement confirmed.
Should Nigeria advance past the Round of 16, they could face a monumental quarter-final showdown against the 2019 champions, Algeria.
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