Onyedika showed why he deserved to start, but it was another frustrating night for Osimhen as Nigeria beat Uganda in their AFCON 2025 clash.

Raphael Onyedika was the star of the match as the Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their AFCON 2025 group stage campaign with a 100% record after beating the Cranes of Uganda 3-1

Paul Onuachu opened the scoring for Nigeria in the first half, but it was Onyedika who stole the limelight with two brilliant goals in the second half.

But while Onyedika will deservedly get the plaudits, there were some other talking points from the match. Pulse Sports Managing Editor, Joba Ogunwale highlights some of these points.

Dele-Bashiru deserves to play an advanced role

One of the issues the Super Eagles have faced under Eric Chelle is players being shoehorned into roles they are not comfortable in.

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Dele-Bashiru is one of the players who fit into this box, as he has been playing in a role that limits his ability to impact games.

However, in the game against Uganda, the Lazio midfielder showed why he should play closer to the goal, as he gave arguably his best performance in a Super Eagles shirt.

He was involved in almost all of Nigeria’s attacks, making brilliant runs that freed up Nigeria’s strikers.

His perfect run helped set Onuachu up for the opener, but his performance was more than just that assist. Dele-Bashiru was comfortable on the ball and was always looking to attack the goal every time he got the ball.

It remains to be seen if Chelle will keep him in that role for the knockout rounds, but the former Sheffield Wednesday man showed that he deserves to keep his place closer to the goal.

Raphael Onyedika makes his case

For a very long time, Nigerian football lovers have been calling on Chelle to give Onyedika a chance, but these calls fell on deaf ears until today.

The Club Brugge man was given a chance to impress, and he did just that. From the first whistle, you could see why fans had been clamouring for him.

His touches were exquisite, even though they looked simple. He never looked out of place and was comfortable on the ball.

The 24-year-old knew when to drop deep and never forced anything. It explains why he had a whopping 97% pass accuracy in the opposition half and 98% in his own half.

If his performance in the first half was brilliant, Onyedika took it up a notch after the interval as he scored two well-taken goals.

His first was all down to his first touch, even though Samuel Chukwueze was credited for the assist. His second, which was also set up by Chukwueze, was a proper finish.

It was a top performance from the Club Brugge man, who now clearly deserves more playing time at this tournament.

Nigeria’s Defence is still an issue

Although it could be argued that Chelle did not play his first choice centre backs, Nigeria’s defence is still an issue as the competition heads to the knockout rounds.

In all three games they played in the group stage, the team conceded four goals, which could have all been avoided.

Despite dominating the Ugandans from start to finish, the Super Eagles still found a way to concede against the ten-man Cranes.

It is a cause for worry going into the knockout stages because the Super Eagles cannot afford to keep conceding cheap goals, especially against more formidable sides.

Chelle will need to address the defensive lapses because failure to keep the defence tight could lead to an early second-round exit.

Osimhen’s woes continue

He should not have played, but Osimhen was handed a start and the captain’s band against the Ugandans.

While it was not the correct decision, it offered Osimhen a chance to increase his miserable AFCON goal tally and statpad against one of the worst teams in the competition.

However, the Galatasaray man once again struggled to find the goals. Although his overall effort was clear to see, it is not what he would be judged on at the end of his career.

Yes, he is currently Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer, but only two of his goals have come in the AFCON.