AFCON teams forced to use three goalkeepers in the deciding match

Uganda entered the decisive Group C fixture with hopes of securing a win to reach the knockout stage. Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle made eight changes from the side that beat Tunisia 3-2, but the Super Eagles still dominated the contest.

Paul Onuachu opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 28th minute. Toward the end of the first half, Uganda’s first-choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango suffered an ankle injury but managed to continue until the break. He was replaced at half-time by Jamal Magoola.

However, Magoola’s appearance lasted only 11 minutes. The goalkeeper was sent off after handling the ball outside the penalty area to deny Victor Osimhen, forcing Uganda to introduce their third goalkeeper, Nafian Alionzi.

Reduced to 10 men and having already lost two goalkeepers, Uganda quickly came under heavy pressure. Nigeria capitalised, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice in quick succession. In the 62nd minute, he finished low after receiving a pass from Samuel Chukwueze, before adding his second moments later following another cut-back from the Villarreal winger.

Nigeria’s 3-0 lead was briefly reduced when Rogers Mato scored a late consolation goal, but it did little to change the outcome.

Uganda finished bottom of Group C with just one point and were the only team eliminated from the group. Nigeria completed a perfect group stage with three wins to finish top, while Tunisia claimed second place. Tanzania, despite finishing third, progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams, ahead of Comoros and Angola on points and goal difference.

In the round of 16, Nigeria are set to face one of Mozambique, Cameroon or Ivory Coast. Tunisia will take on Mali, while Tanzania are scheduled to meet hosts Morocco.