Nigeria cruised to a third-straight victory at AFCON as they eased past a Ugandan side who required three goalkeepers during the game in Fez.

After winning their first two games in Group C, the Nigerians fielded a much-changed side, but the backup players did more than enough after goals from Raphael Onyedika (two) and Paul Onuachu. 

Uganda, who got a late goal through Rogers Mato, were not helped by losing one goalkeeper to injury before his replacement was then sent off, which meant a third had to come on for the last half an hour.

The result means Uganda finish bottom of the group with one point from their three games while Nigeria go into the knockouts after securing maximum nine points.

Nnamdi Onyeagwara and Sam Joseph break down the talking points.

Why did Uganda need three goalkeepers?

Taking three goalkeepers to an international tournament can often feel unnecessary, with teams tending to stick to their No 1 throughout the competition.

Against Nigeria though, Uganda needed every one of their goalkeeping trio.

Denis Onyango started in goal, picking up his 78th senior cap on Tuesday in an international career that began more than 20 years ago. However, the 40-year-old appeared to twist his ankle while collecting the ball. He battled on until half-time, when he was replaced by Jamal Salim.

Salim would have been hoping to make a good impression, having been dropped after starting the opener against Tunisia.

Instead, he received a straight card after deliberately using his right hand to make a save against Victor Osimhen well outside the penalty area.

Salim receives a red card against Nigeria (Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)

That left Nafian Alionzi, who plays for Ethiopian team Defence Force, to come on for his eighth international appearance. The 29-year-old performed well in very difficult circumstances, making a good stop to deny Moses Simon, but conceded a quickfire double from Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria made the most of their man advantage.

Sam Joseph

Why did Bassey’s passing stand out?

Calvin Bassey has begun his Africa Cup of Nations tournament in fine form, and he continued his impressive displays against Uganda.

The Fulham centre-back, who turns 26 on Wednesday, was one of three Nigeria players who maintained their starting spot in a much-changed starting XI.

With knockout round qualification already confirmed, Eric Chelle decided to rotate the line-up but kept Bassey at the heart of his defence.

Calvin Bassey kept his place in the Nigeria team (Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite only playing the first half of the game, Bassey was the standout player, looking calm and composed in everything he did. The most notable aspect of his performance was his passing.

From his left-sided centre-back role, Bassey played several long-range cross-field passes with astonishing accuracy. He was shown a harsh yellow card four minutes into the game, which undoubtedly played a part in his half-time substitution.

Bassey, making his 39th appearance for Nigeria, continues to establish himself as a key part of his squad and a leader at the back following the international retirement of former captain and centre-back William Troost-Ekong.

Nnamdi Onyeagwara

How did Nigeria’s backup players do?

Several staked a claim to be brought into Chelle’s thoughts for the first team going forward.

Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu recovered from a hefty challenge from Uganda’s Aziz Kayondo in the first half to put in an impressive performance at right-back in what was the 24-year-old’s first appearance for his country.

Igoh Ogbu also impressed next to Bassey and then Chidozie Awaziem at the heart of Nigeria’s defence. It was only the 25-year-old’s fifth appearance for Nigeria.

Moses Simon was his typical self, impressing on the left-hand side with direct wing play and was unlucky not to get an assist on the day.

Attacking midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was comfortable in possession and assisted Onuachu for the game’s opening goal but his midfield partner, Onyedika, will take the majority of the headlines.

The 24-year-old central midfielder, who has been in fine form for Club Bruges this season, scored two goals against Uganda, the first goal involving a lovely first touch into space before dispatching between third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi’s legs.

With Nigeria now preparing for the knockout round of the competition, Chelle may have some decisions to make regarding the starting XI of Nigeria’s next game.

Nnamdi Onyeagwara

What next for Nigeria?

January 5: Round of 16, Nigeria vs third team in Group B/F, 7pm GMT, 2pm ET