Midfield maestro Raphael Onyedika has celebrated a career-defining performance after earning the Man of the Match award in Nigeria’s clinical 3-1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda. Making his tournament debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 24-year-old orchestrated the Super Eagles’ dominance at the Stade Foot de Fès on Tuesday evening.
Onyedika delivered a sensational second-half performance, netting two goals in just five minutes to dismantle the Ugandan defense and ensure Nigeria finished the group stage with a flawless nine points.
The Club Brugge standout showcased exceptional tactical awareness, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru that dictated the tempo of the game. After Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half, Onyedika took center stage following a Ugandan red card, twice finding the bottom corner with precise strikes assisted by Samuel Chukwueze. This breakthrough performance has significantly boosted his chances of securing a starting position when head coach Éric Chelle selects his lineup for the upcoming Round of 16 showdown on January 5.
Onyedika shared his excitement after the game: “I feel very happy and I can’t really explain how I feel at this moment. These are moments I’ve been working towards all my life, and I’m happy that things are starting to come under control.”
His inclusion was one of eight changes made by Chelle, who opted to rotate the squad after already clinching qualification. The victory reinforces Nigeria’s status as title favorites, as they become the first team in the 2025 edition to win all three group matches. While Uganda managed a late consolation goal through Rogers Mato, Onyedika’s masterclass ensured the three-time champions maintained their momentum heading into the knockout phase. Fans and analysts now anticipate whether the young midfielder will retain his place in the starting XI as the competition intensifies.
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