Published:
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Nigeria’s presence in the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations is no accident. Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have combined attacking freedom with tactical discipline, establishing themselves as one of the most complete teams at AFCON 2025 and fully justifying their place in the semi-finals against hosts Morocco.
Runners-up with a point to prove
Finalists at the previous Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria arrived in Morocco with a clear sense of purpose.
The pain of narrowly missing out on the title sharpened their resolve, forging a squad determined to go all the way this time.
Chelle has embraced that legacy, repeatedly stressing the unity within his group and building a dressing room founded on trust, clearly defined roles and strong collective chemistry.
Africa’s most fearsome attack
Nigeria have emerged as the tournament’s most prolific attacking side, scoring 14 goals — a tally unmatched by any other team.
The attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams has been central to this success, blending pace, power and intelligence with impressive cohesion.
Osimhen has scored four goals and provided two assists, constantly unsettling defences through his movement and relentless pressing.
Lookman has added three goals and four assists, offering creativity and composure in decisive moments.
Adams, featuring in his first AFCON, has further strengthened the attack with two goals and two assists, bringing physical presence and unpredictability to Nigeria’s offensive play.
Iwobi: the supply line behind the goals
At the heart of Nigeria’s attacking fluidity is Alex Iwobi, whose precise passing and creative orchestration continually feed the Super Eagles’ forward line.
Beyond his assists, Iwobi leads the tournament in key forward passes, regularly delivering the ball that disrupts defensive structures before the final action.
Nigeria’s 14 goals at AFCON 2025 have taken their all-time tally at the tournament to 158.
With Iwobi expected to play another pivotal role in Rabat, the Super Eagles have the opportunity to reach the symbolic milestone of 160 AFCON goals — a testament to both longevity and attacking ambition.
Experience and defensive stability
Nigeria’s attacking ambition has been underpinned by a composed and experienced defence.
Stanley Nwabali, outstanding during the run to the final in Côte d’Ivoire, has once again provided assurance between the posts.
In central defence, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi have formed a solid partnership, comfortably filling the void left by retired captain William Troost-Ekong.
At full-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel has brought aggression and energy after missing the previous AFCON, allowing Nigeria to remain compact defensively while maintaining momentum in transition.
Midfield control and balance
Captain Wilfred Ndidi has anchored the midfield with authority, breaking up opposition attacks and controlling the tempo of matches.
Alongside him, Bruno Onyemaechi has provided the necessary balance, freeing Alex Iwobi to influence games in advanced areas — a central feature of Eric Chelle’s tactical setup.
Impact from the bench
Nigeria’s squad depth has been another decisive factor in their journey to the semi-finals.
Players such as Raphael Onyedika, Chidozie Awaziem, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, though not regular starters, have delivered energy, intensity and tactical flexibility when introduced.
Onyedika has brought control and defensive discipline late in games, Awaziem has strengthened the back line, while Chukwueze and Simon have injected pace and unpredictability on the flanks — stretching tiring defences and ensuring Nigeria remain an attacking threat until the final whistle.
Their contributions highlight the strength of a squad capable of influencing matches well beyond the starting XI.
Built for the moment
With key players such as Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Akor Adams at or near their peak, Nigeria’s squad appears perfectly timed for this stage of the competition.
Combined with Chelle’s emphasis on cohesion and collective responsibility, the Super Eagles have become a team comfortable under pressure and adept at exploiting decisive moments.
A deserved semi-finalist
Nigeria’s place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals is the product of elite talent, organisation, depth and belief.
The Super Eagles attack with variety, defend with discipline and approach key moments with the composure of a team shaped by recent experience.
As they prepare to face hosts Morocco in Rabat, they arrive not only as contenders, but as runners-up seeking redemption — and above all, as a team whose performances, depth and unity fully justify their place among Africa’s final four.