Uganda’s journey at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to an end following a 3-1 loss to Nigeria, with players acknowledging that pressure and critical mistakes contributed to their elimination.

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango offered a frank post-match evaluation, admitting that the Cranes’ urgency to secure a win played into Nigeria’s hands. In need of a victory to remain in the tournament, Uganda struggled against a disciplined Super Eagles side.

“We were desperate for goals, and Nigeria punished us,” Onyango admitted. “They are a quality side.”

Nigeria, under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, controlled the match, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice and Paul Onuachu adding another to seal Uganda’s exit from the tournament in Morocco.

Striker Uche Ikpeazu, whose heritage includes a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, also shared his thoughts on the defeat. The St. Johnstone forward had hoped to make a decisive impact against his father’s country but instead emphasized learning from the experience.

“I will be supporting Nigeria to lift the AFCON. Uganda is a great national team, much respect to them,” Ikpeazu said. “The quality showed, and I think at times some of the goals we conceded are mistakes, but it’s a learning curve. We are a very young group; we will learn, and we can do better. I tried my best, and that is the most important thing.”

With Uganda’s elimination confirmed, focus now shifts to the remaining Group C fixtures, including Ivory Coast vs Gabon, Mozambique vs Cameroon, Sudan vs Burkina Faso, and Algeria vs Equatorial Guinea.

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