Uganda captain Denis Onyango has admitted that the Cranes’ desperate pursuit of goals paved the way for their downfall, as a clinical Nigeria side secured a 3-1 victory on Tuesday to extinguish Uganda’s AFCON 2025 hopes.
In a high-stakes encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the Cranes entered the pitch knowing only a win would suffice to keep their qualification campaign alive. This “all-or-nothing” necessity forced a tactical gamble that ultimately backfired against the three-time African champions.
The veteran Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper conceded that Uganda’s aggressive offensive push left their backline vulnerable—a weakness the Super Eagles exploited with ruthless precision.
Clinical Finishing: Raphael Onyedika spearheaded the Nigerian assault with a brace, while Paul Onuachu added a third to put the result beyond doubt.
Tactical Discipline: While Uganda dominated spells of possession in search of an equalizer, Nigeria’s transition play proved the difference-maker.
“We were desperate for goals, and Nigeria punished us,” Onyango told reporters post-match. “They are a quality side. They showed the composure and experience required at this level.”
The defeat marks a somber exit for the Cranes, who had shown flashes of promise throughout the qualifying stages. For the veteran Onyango, the result is a stark reminder of the thin margins for error in continental football.
While Nigeria advances to the 2025 finals as one of the tournament favorites, Uganda returns home to begin a rebuilding phase. The focus for the Cranes now shifts to the future, with the coaching staff tasked with addressing the defensive lapses that proved so costly in Morocco.
