Super Eagles on Tuesday beat Uganda 3-1 in the final Group C match of the 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Morocco completing a flawless group stage campaign.
Nigeria, already qualified, dominated proceedings despite wholesale changes, with Paul Onuachu opening the scoring in the 28th minute after sustained pressure on the Ugandan defence.
Coach Eric Chelle rotated his squad heavily, retaining only Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi from the previous win over Tunisia.
Uganda’s task worsened after goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola was sent off shortly after halftime, leaving the Cranes with 10 men and a third-choice goalkeeper.
Onyedika then took centre stage, calmly finishing in the 62nd minute before rifling home again five minutes later to put the contest beyond reach.
Uganda grabbed a late consolation through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but it did little to alter a game Nigeria controlled with composure and depth.
The Super Eagles topped Group C with nine points, ahead of Tunisia, while Tanzania edged through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nigeria will face the third-placed team from Group F in the round of 16, with Cameroon or Mozambique the possible opponents. (NAN)
