Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu has brushed aside concerns over missed chances after opening the scoring in Nigeria’s 3–1 victory over Uganda in their final Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Onuachu, who was handed a starting role by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, admitted he had an early opportunity to score but praised Uganda’s veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango for making a crucial save.
“Missed chances are part of the game,” Onuachu said after the match. “The goalkeeper made a good save, and you have to give him credit.”
Rather than allowing the miss to affect his confidence, the striker explained that he remained focused and ready for the next opportunity, trusting that another chance would come.
“I just picked myself up and stayed patient,” he added. “I knew another chance would come, and when it did, I took it.”
That moment arrived in the 28th minute, when Onuachu connected perfectly with a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to put Nigeria ahead, setting the tone for a dominant Super Eagles performance in Fès.
The goal proved vital as Nigeria went on to secure all three points, with midfielder Raphael Onyedika adding two more goals to complete the win.
Uganda managed a late consolation, but the result confirmed Nigeria’s place at the top of Group C with a perfect nine points from three matches.
Onuachu stressed that individual moments matter less than collective success, noting that the team’s focus is now firmly on the knockout stages.
“The most important thing is the win and how the team performed overall,” he said. “We’re building confidence, and that’s what matters at this stage.”
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they aim to maintain momentum and continue their push for AFCON 2025 glory.
