By Frank Ulom
FES (CONVERSEER) – The Super Eagles of Nigeria have ended their group games in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with maximum points (9).
The West African side defeated The Cranes of Uganda 3-1 on Tuesday in Fes, Morocco, to make it three wins in three in Group C.
Nigeria also become the only team in the tournament so far to win all their group games.
A much-changed Super Eagles side proved Eric Chelle’s genius of selection as Paul Onuachu tapped home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cut back in the 28th minute. The striker already missed an opportunity earlier, after being set up by Victor Osimhen.
Things got worse for The Cranes after substitute goalkeeper, Jamal Salim, was shown a straight red card for stopping Osimhen’s lob on goal with his hands outside the 18-yard box.
Nigeria then punished Uganda further after Raphael Onyedika collected Samuel Chukwueze’s pass and skipped past a couple of yellow and black jerseys to make it 2-0.
Onyedika added a second in the 67th minute to make it 3-0, after meeting Chukwueze’s cut back at the edge of the box.
Uganda pulled one back through Rogers Mato, who lobbed Francis Uzoho in the 75th minute to make it 3-1.
Onyedika was awarded Man-of-the-Match (MoTM) for his outstanding performance in the middle of the pack for the Eagles.
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Meanwhile, in the other Group C encounter, Tunisia drew with Tanzania to also make it to the round of 16. Tanzania, on the other hand, have to wait for the final group games for a chance to progress as the fourth best losers.
Group C Standing After Match Day 3
1. Nigeria – 9 points (+4 goals)
2 . Tunisia – 4 points (+1 goal)
3 . Tanzania – 2 points (-1 goal)
4 . Uganda – 1 point (-4 goals)
