Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to the top of Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations, clinching a flawless nine points with a commanding 3-1 win over Uganda in Fez on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Yet, the triumph was overshadowed by injury scares for promising debutant Ryan Alebiosu and striker Cyriel Dessers, casting doubt on their availability for the knockout rounds.
Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed post-match that Alebiosu suffered a deep cut to his right leg, leaving his tournament status uncertain. Dessers, meanwhile, is battling a thigh injury and faces a scan to gauge its severity.
Despite the blows, Nigeria’s much-altered lineup delivered in style. Paul Onuachu broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, powering home a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru cross right after Uganda keeper Denis Onyango’s point-blank save.
The Super Eagles dominated early, with Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses testing the defense relentlessly. Uganda flickered briefly after halftime, but Nigeria struck twice in quick succession: Raphael Onyedika coolly finished from Chukwueze’s assist in the 62nd minute, then repeated the feat four minutes later to seal the deal.
Rogers Mato’s late consolation for Uganda couldn’t spoil Nigeria’s authority, securing top spot and a round-of-16 clash on January 5 in Fez against the Group F third-placer - likely Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique.
As focus shifts to the knockouts, all eyes remain on medical updates for Alebiosu and Dessers to bolster Nigeria’s title charge.
0 comments:
Post a Comment