Nigeria sealed Group C supremacy in emphatic fashion, overpowering Uganda 3–1 in Fès to complete a perfect group stage, while Tunisia held their nerve in Rabat to claim second place despite being held to a tense 1–1 draw by a spirited Tanzania side on the final day of TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 group action.
The Super Eagles, already brimming with confidence after victories over Tanzania and Tunisia, asserted their authority early against Uganda.
After sustained pressure and a superb save from Denis Onyango to initially keep him out, Paul Onuachu eventually broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, steering home a composed finish from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s precise assist.
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Uganda, chasing a must-win result to survive in the competition, reshuffled after the break but their hopes faded dramatically in the 56th minute when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling outside the area.
Nigeria immediately punished the numerical disadvantage. Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with a neat strike before striking again just five minutes later, both goals expertly assisted by Samuel Chukwueze, as Nigeria tightened their grip on the contest.
Uganda, despite the setback, refused to capitulate and found reward when Rogers Mato pulled one back in the 75th minute after a clever pass from Allan Okello.
But Nigeria remained composed, managing the closing stages with professionalism to confirm top spot in the group with three wins from three. Uganda’s journey, meanwhile, came to a definitive end.
At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tunisia and Tanzania shared spoils in a 1–1 draw that carried major consequences. Tunisia dominated early phases, with Ismael Gharbi the standout figure — going close on multiple occasions before winning and converting a penalty in the 42nd minute after VAR confirmed a foul on Hazem Mastouri. The Carthage Eagles went into the break ahead and seemingly in control.
But their cautious approach after the restart invited Tanzania back into the contest. The Taifa Stars grew in belief and were rewarded in the 54th minute when Feisal Salum’s curling effort from the edge of the box bounced awkwardly beyond goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to level matters.
From there, Tanzania managed the tempo intelligently, knowing a point could boost their chances of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides. Tunisia, conscious of qualification security, steadied themselves to protect second place as the match wound down without late drama.
By the end of the night, Nigeria marched into the Round of 16 as commanding group winners, Tunisia joined them in second place, and Tanzania kept qualification hopes alive — while Uganda bowed out.