Nigeria returns to the continent in search of a fourth title following the disappointment of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The spotlight will be on legendary players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and other notable people who are expected to transform renewed dreams into triumph for a country determined to reclaim continental glory with the 2025 edition.
2013 was the last time Nigeria won the AFCON trophy in South Africa. The host nation, the Ivory Coast, whose 2–1 victory in the final set off the team’s attempt to win a fourth title in the 2023 edition, which ultimately cost the team the championship.
Read more about the 2025 World Cup woes in Nigerian sports:  , Falcons’ Record, D’Tigress’ dominance, and more.
Here are some players who are poised to take the spotlight and contribute to the Super Eagles’ rise one step further than they did in 2024 as the 2025 edition begins in North Africa.
The Lethal Finisher Eyeing AFCON Glory, Victor Osimhen
Fans of football in Nigeria and other countries need no introduction to Victor Osimhen. He consistently scores goals for both his country and Galatasaray, earning him a reputation as one of the top three strikers in the world. His significance for the Super Eagles’ setup is unsurpassed.
When Osimhen is unavailable, Nigeria frequently struggles to score goals and win games. The Super Eagles have won 12 goals in the team’s last five games, five of which were goals by Osimhen, a testament to his impact.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a result of his absence from the majority of his qualifiers. The 2023 African Footballer of the Year was a key part of Nigeria’s advancing to the final of the 2023 AFCON, scoring 14 goals for Galatasaray so far this season.
The former Napoli striker will need to maintain his impressive form if the Eagles want to go one step further this time.
Nigerians rely on the fervor of Resurgent Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria will not be relying on Osimhen to win the continental prize in this attack. Lookman, a forward for Atalanta, was one of the main contributors to the Super Eagles’ victory in the final of the previous AFCON, recording three goals and one assist.
In 2024, he succeeded Osimhen with the title of African Footballer of the Year due to his performances at the tournament and his form at his club. His form was impacted by his unsuccessful departure from Atalanta in the summer and his strained relationship with the club’s former coach.
However, Lookman has since found his rhythm, scoring three goals in the process since replacing Ivan Juri with Raffaele Palladino in November. To continue his excellent form in Morocco, Nigeria will need him.
Wilfred Ndidi’s leadership strategy will be crucial.
After William Troost-Ekong left the national team, it seems as though Nigeria are going to Morocco without one of its experienced men.
Ndidi, who has been a force since making his team debut in 2015, has won 71 caps. He played in two AFCON competitions in 2019 and 2021, but injured him, and he did not play in 2023. He represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Ndidi has been a regular starter for Beşiktaş and has even worn the captain’s armband in recent matches.
If the Super Eagles are to succeed in Morocco, the former Leicester City midfielder will need to carry that form into the 2025 AFCON.
Alex Iwobi Must Bring Years of Experience to the Table.
Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, the team’s most-capped player, Alex Iwobi, will continue playing midfield together after 90 games.
Iwobi, who made his Fulham debut in 2015, has been a key member of the Super Eagles. He often depends on his output because he plays a crucial role as a playmaker.
The former Arsenal player finished 11th in his best Premier League season so far this year at Fulham, scoring eight goals and adding five assists.
He already contributed two goals and two assists to his excellent form going into the season. If the three-time AFCON champions want to win the trophy, it will be crucial to replicate that level of performance in Morocco.
Calvin Bassey: The defensive backbone of Nigeria
Calvin Bassey has emerged as a key player in the Super Eagles’ defense, consistently delivering despite their most difficult circumstances.
Bassey participated in every second of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, playing 900 minutes total in each of the ten games. He was the only Nigerian player to do so, demonstrating his dependability and significance to the team.
He scored in his final game for Fulham before moving to AFCON, and his current club form has been outstanding this campaign.
With Ekong and Frederick Benjamin out of action, Bassey is expected to command the backline and help the Super Eagles reach new heights. He is an essential part of the Nigerian defense.
Samuel Chukwueze Must Find Consistence
Along with the three-time African champions, Samuel Chukwueze, his club teammate, is another player to watch out for.
The former Villarreal forward has been criticized for his inconsistent behavior despite having a lot of talent.
The 26-year-old has since gradually found his feet after joining the West London club on loan from AC Milan in the summer.
In a thrilling 4–3 defeat in a Premier League tie, Chukwueze scored a brace against Manchester City after coming on as a substitute.
However, it’s still to be seen if the U-17 World Cup winner will carry that success into this competition.
Safe Hands at the Back by Stanley Nwabali
Stanley Nwabali, a goalkeeper for Chippa United, serves as the foundation of Nigeria’s defense.
Nwabali, a former Enyimba shooter, was a star at the 2023 AFCON and has remained the Super Eagles’ first choice ever since.
Prior to this year’s tournament, he recently featured in a 2–1 pre-competition practice match defeat to Egypt, despite being concerned about his fitness.
Nwabali will need to perform at his best to aid Nigeria in its pursuit of Africa.
Can Nigeria’s Stars Deliver in AFCON 2025?
The Super Eagles will rely on a combination of experience, talent, and leadership as AFCON 2025 begins, which the fans are looking forward to.
Nigeria has the tools to face any opponent thanks to Osimhen’s deadly finishing, Lookman’s creativity, Ndidi’s leadership, Iwobi’s playmaking, and Bassey, Chukwueze, and Nwabali’s solid support.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply