Nigeria ease past 10-man Uganda to maintain perfect start to AFCON

Nigeria defeated 10-man Uganda 3-1 at Fes Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to maintain their perfect start to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle made eight changes to the side that edged Tunisia 3-2 last time out, with Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi retaining their spots.

Osimhen had an early sight on goal as his low shot was parried away by Denis Onyango, but the offside flag went up.

Minutes later, Moses Simon skipped past his markers and played in a cut-back pass for Samuel Chukwueze, but the Fulham man couldn’t connect with the pass, and the chance went begging.

At the other end, Uche Ikpeazu saw his header flash wide after a beautifully crafted move by the Cranes.

Just before the half-hour mark, Osimhen unselfishly teed up with Paul Onuachu in the area, but the Trabzonspor striker was denied by Onyango from close range.

However, a minute later, Onuachu broke the deadlock after Dele-Bashiru drilled in a low cross for the former Southampton man to tap home into an empty net.

On the stroke of halftime, Bobosi Byaruhanga blasted over his long-range effort on a second attempt from a free kick.

Five minutes after the restart, Chidozie Awaziem could’ve doubled the Super Eagles’ advantage from a corner, but his effort at the back post went just wide.

Moments later, Onyemaechi found the side netting from just outside the area as Nigeria continued to search for a second.

In the 56th minute, Uganda were dealt a big blow as substitute goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off after he saved Osimhen’s effort from outside the box, and the Cranes were reduced to 10 men.

Nafian Alionzi replaced Magoola, and Chukwueze skied his effort from the free kick.

In the 62nd minute, Raphael Onyedika doubled the Super Eagles’ lead after he was found by Chukwueze, and the Club Brugge midfielder slotted past Alionzi.

Five minutes later, Onyedika doubled his tally and scored Nigeria’s third after Chukwueze’s cutback pass found him and he picked out the bottom corner.

Nigeria continued to search for more goals as Dele-Bashiru and Onuachu went close but missed the target minutes later.

In the 75th minute, the Cranes pulled one back through Rogers Mark after he was found beautifully with a low pass by Okello as he chipped Francis Uzoho to reduce the deficit.

On the stroke of full-time, goalscorer Mato curled his free kick wide from a tight angle.

Nigeria topped Group C with nine points and finished with three wins from three matches.