Why Uganda Were Forced to Use 3 Goalkeepers in Just 11 Minutes Against Nigeria
- Uganda were forced to use all three of their goalkeepers against Nigeria on December 30 as they crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- The Cranes were beaten 3–1 by the Super Eagles, finishing bottom of Group C with just one point from their three group-stage matches
- Paul Put’s plans unravelled amid chaotic scenes in Fez, where injuries and a red card compelled the Uganda coach to deploy every available goalkeeper in a night to forget
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Uganda were forced to deploy all three of their goalkeepers during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations clash against Nigeria, in a must-win encounter for the Cranes.
Needing all three points to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive, Uganda went into the fixture under heavy pressure against a Nigerian side already assured of top spot in Group C.
Source: Twitter
The teams met at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday, December 30, in the final round of group-stage matches, with the Super Eagles having won their opening two games of the tournament.
Nigeria sat three points clear at the summit of the group, while Uganda propped up the table on a single point, trailing third-placed Tanzania on goal difference, per Sports Mole.
Uganda’s qualification hopes suffered a major blow when Nigeria struck first, with Paul Onuachu opening the scoring in the first half.
The Super Eagles then pulled clear after the break, as Raphael Onyedika netted twice to put the result firmly beyond reach.
Rogers Mato offered Uganda a glimmer of hope by pulling one back with 15 minutes remaining, but it proved little more than a consolation.
The Cranes’ task had been difficult from the outset and became even tougher when first-choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango twisted his ankle while trying to stop a corner at 0-0.
Source: Getty Images
Despite the injury, the 40-year-old bravely continued and even produced a fine save to deny former Southampton striker Onuachu.
However, Onyango was eventually beaten in the 28th minute when Onuachu broke the deadlock for Nigeria.
Uganda used 3 goalkeepers in 11 minutes
Onyango needed further treatment before half-time and was replaced by Salim Jamal Magoola at the interval.
Magoola’s involvement proved short-lived, lasting just 11 minutes before he was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area as he rushed out to stop Victor Osimhen.
That dismissal forced an unexpected appearance from third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi, meaning Uganda had now used all three of their keepers.
Alionzi was beaten within three minutes of coming on, as Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika slipped the ball through his legs in the 62nd minute.
Onyedika then struck again five minutes later to seal a comprehensive victory for Nigeria.
Uganda exited the Africa Cup of Nations having used every goalkeeper in their final match, collecting just one point in Group C and extending their winless run at the tournament to six games.
Per the Athletic, Nigeria finished top of the group with a perfect record and advanced to the knockout stage, where they will face one of Mozambique, Cameroon or Ivory Coast, with Tunisia and Tanzania also progressing.
Gyan names Nigeria among 2025 AFCON favourites
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Asamoah Gyan has shared his predictions for the 2025 AFCON, naming the teams he believes are most likely to win.
Among the favourites, Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer highlighted Nigeria as a strong contender for the title.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
