The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Uganda 3-1 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday in their final group stage match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
It was an action-packed encounter, which came as no surprise given that the Cranes were under pressure to win to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
Uganda took the game to Nigeria from the blast of the whistle, capitalizing on Eric Chelle's decision to deploy a new-look midfield. However, the three-time African champions soon found their rhythm and asserted control over the proceedings.
The Goalkeeping Rollercoaster For Uganda Begins
Uganda coach Paul Put opted for veteran captain Denis Onyango in goal. Before the game, the Mamelodi Sundowns legend had been vocal about his team’s chances before kickoff, but unfortunately, he could not see out the match.
After just 23 minutes, the 40-year-old shot-stopper fell on the turf clutching his ankle. Though he received medical attention and attempted to play on, he conceded just five minutes later following a slick, well-worked attack from Nigeria.
Shortly after, Onyango went down again after jumping for a routine catch. While reserve goalkeeper Salim Magoola began warming up, Onyango stubbornly remained on the pitch after further treatment.
The pattern repeated in the 40th minute, making it inevitable that Magoola would replace him at halftime.
Salim Magoola's Ill-Fated Appearance
Salim Magoola’s appearance lasted only 11 minutes, but his departure wasn't due to injury — it was a straight red card.
‘Goal Keeper wa Salim Jamal Awereddwa Red Card'.
0 – 1 #UBCAFCON25 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #TECNOAI #TECNOAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/UExG2pqRKb— UBC STAR TV UGANDA (@StartvUganda) December 30, 2025
The Richards Bay goalkeeper was sent off for a calamitous handball after inexplicably catching a shot from Victor Osimhen outside the penalty area. The error seemed to validate coach Put's earlier hesitation to introduce him during the first half.
Alionzi Faces Fire As Super Eagles Take Over
Reduced to ten men, Paul Put was forced to introduce third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi.
In an alternate universe, Alionzi might have produced a string of heroic saves to inspire a 2-1 comeback; however, reality proved much harsher.
His first task was defending a Samuel Chukwueze free-kick. Although the wall was poorly organized, Chukwueze failed to capitalize as his effort sailed wide.
However, Alionzi's reprieve was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Raphael Onyedika converted a cross from Chukwueze to double Nigeria's lead. Before Alionzi could regain his composure, Onyedika struck again to make it 3-0.
The third-choice keeper appeared shell-shocked and bewildered, his body language suggested that he was a man who wished he were anywhere else but on the pitch.
The Cranes managed a late consolation goal through Rogers Mato, but the damage was already done.
While Onyedika's brace and Chukwueze’s brilliance on the wings were the highlights for Nigeria, the story of Uganda using three goalkeepers in one game will go down as one of the most bizarre chapters in AFCON history.
