Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika helped Nigeria secure a perfect nine points in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers by defeating Uganda by 3 goals to 1
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made several changes to his starting lineup, handing starts to Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), and Moses Simon (Paris FC).
In the absence of Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen captained the side.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Onuachu scored his first goal for Nigeria in four years, assisted by Dele-Bashiru.
In the 50th minute, Chidozie Awaziem missed a clear chance from a loose ball following a corner, and a minute later, Bruno Onyemachi nearly doubled the lead, firing into the side netting after Osimhen missed a header.
Uganda was reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola handled Osimhen’s goal-bound shot outside the penalty area.
Nigeria extended their lead in the 67th minute when Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika scored, assisted by on-loan Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze. Five minutes later, Chukwueze again impressed on the right wing, setting up Onyedika to complete his brace.
Uganda pulled a consolation goal in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who finished off Allan Okello’s through pass. Osimhen was substituted in the 87th minute for Sevilla striker Adams Akor after being denied a first-half goal due to an offside call.
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