Nigeria Celebrates Key Returns as Onuachu and Onyedika Lead Charge; Tanzania Makes Historic Knockout Breakthrough
Already through to the knockout rounds, Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over a depleted Uganda on Tuesday, capping a flawless group stage campaign with nine points.
Manager Jose Peseiro rotated his squad, but the changes did little to disrupt the team’s rhythm. The match was highlighted by the long-awaited return to the scoresheet for striker Paul Onuachu, who netted his first international goal since 2021 in the 28th minute.
“It feels amazing to score again for my country,” Onuachu said after the match. “The team is in a good moment, and we wanted to finish the job professionally.”
Uganda’s hopes faded dramatically in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola, who had just come on at halftime, was shown a straight red for handling the ball well outside his area to deny Victor Osimhen. The dismissal forced the East Africans to use their third goalkeeper of the match.
Nigeria capitalized swiftly. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika scored twice in five minutes, both times assisted by Samuel Chukwueze, to put the result beyond doubt at 3-0. Uganda snatched a late consolation through Rogers Mato, but it did little to dampen Nigeria’s dominant display.
The victory reinforces Nigeria’s status as tournament contenders, building momentum after the disappointment of missing 2026 World Cup qualification and their runner-up finish in the last Africa Cup of Nations.
In the group’s other match, Tanzania made history by securing a 1-1 draw with Tunisia, a result that propelled them into the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years of trying. Feisal Salum’s powerful second-half strike canceled out an earlier Tunisian penalty, earning the Taifa Stars their passage as one of the best third-placed teams.
“This is for every Tanzanian who has waited generations for this moment,” said an emotional Salum after the final whistle.
Nigeria now looks ahead to the round of 16, their confidence sky-high, while Tanzania prepares to script the next chapter in their historic run.
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