AFCON 2025 Group C: Nigeria’s Onyedika, Tunisia’s Gharbi and the stars who lit up matchday three

The curtain came down on Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) on Tuesday night, and it did so with drama and a few standout individual performances that defined the final standings, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nigeria powered past Uganda 3-1 to complete a perfect group-stage campaign, while Tanzania stunned many by holding fancied Tunisia to a 1-1 draw.

Those results meant the Super Eagles finished top with a flawless nine points, Tunisia squeezed through as runners-up on four, and Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams with two points. Uganda bowed out. Yet beyond the numbers and permutations, matchday three belonged to a handful of players who seized the moment.

Here are five who truly stole the show.

AFCON 2025 Group C standout: Raphael Onyedika

Given his first start of the tournament as Eric Chelle rotated his squad, Raphael Onyedika responded with a performance of control, maturity and quiet dominance. The Club Brugge midfielder played as though he had been starting all along.

Operating at the base of midfield, Onyedika was Nigeria’s tempo-setter. He recycled possession calmly, anticipated danger with intelligent positioning and shielded the back line with assurance.

Nigeria’s remarkable 71% possession against Uganda owed much to his ability to receive under pressure and move the ball cleanly.

Three matches. Three wins. Three goals tonight for Nigeria! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/ykmbXDzmRO

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

The headline moment, though, came in the opposition box. Onyedika scored twice, both finishes crisp and confident, to register his first-ever AFCON goals.

It was a complete midfield display, crowned with a Man of the Match award, and one that leaves Chelle facing a pleasant dilemma as captain Wilfred Ndidi returns from rest. Onyedika may be heading back to the bench, but his statement has been emphatic.

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AFCON 2025 Group C standout: Samuel Chukwueze

Recalled to the starting XI after being benched against Tunisia, Samuel Chukwueze played with a point to prove, and proved it spectacularly. From the right flank, the winger was relentless.

Chukwueze tormented Uganda’s full-backs with direct dribbling, sharp changes of pace and intelligent movement. He also showed his work rate, tracking back diligently to support Nigeria’s defensive shape. His end product matched his intent: two exquisite assists for Onyedika’s goals.

Chukwueze makes it look easy. The @RexonaNG Move of the Day! ‍#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/YxdSE7IxDQ

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

The third goal, in particular, was a thing of beauty, a flowing move officially named CAF’s Move of the Day.

On this evidence, Chukwueze has not just revived his tournament but thrown down a serious challenge for a starting role heading into the knockout rounds.

AFCON 2025 Group C standout: Ismaël Gharbi

At just 21 years and eight months, Ismaël Gharbi etched his name into Tunisian AFCON history. His first-half strike from the penalty spot against Tanzania made him Tunisia’s youngest AFCON goalscorer since Youssef Msakni in 2012, and the second-youngest scorer at AFCON 2025 overall.

Beyond the goal, Gharbi’s all-round performance stood out. Small in stature but strong in balance, he plays with a low centre of gravity that allows him to glide past opponents. His close control, sharp first touch and ability to carry the ball between the lines gave Tunisia attacking thrust.

The first goal is always special. Ismaël Gharbi for Tunisia. ❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/zEcrwaQNpZ

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

There are areas to refine – decision-making and physical robustness chief among them – but at 21, Gharbi’s elegance and courage suggest a player of serious promise. A deserved Man of the Match.

AFCON 2025 Group C standout: Paul Onuachu

Eric Chelle’s decision to pair Paul Onuachu with Victor Osimhen was unusual. It proved the correct one. Onuachu delivered a powerful, selfless performance that showed his value to fans and critics.

He tested goalkeeper Onyango early, scored Nigeria’s opener after a smart Fisayo Dele-Bashiru assist, and played a key role in the build-up to one of Onyedika’s goals. Beyond goals and assists, his hold-up play was outstanding, bringing others into the game and creating space for Osimhen.

HIGHLIGHTS: 1-3

Nigeria continue their winning streak. Three for three in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/vGnxZP3H12

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

It was a striker’s display built on teamwork, intelligence and effort, the kind that makes tactical experiments worthwhile.

AFCON 2025 Group C standout: Feisal Salum

History belongs to Feisal Salum. With Tanzania trailing Tunisia and elimination looming, the Azam FC midfielder produced a moment of brilliance, a thunderous long-range strike that levelled the score and sent his nation into the knockout rounds for the first time.

Feisal Salum. What a shot. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/oNhLgslK77

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

Salum’s goal was just as dramatic as it was decisive. Tanzania held on, and their AFCON dream lived on. At 27, Salum played with leadership, courage and clarity, embodying the spirit of a team that refused to bow to reputation.