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Former Africa Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has hailed head coach Eric Chelle and his players for making the Super Eagles an attractive attacking team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s march at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is beginning to look less like a good run and more like a statement of intent.
After winning all three group games, the Super Eagles displayed their growing authority with a crushing 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the last 16 in Fes.
With every click, Nigeria found the net. The biggest win of #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 so far. 🇳🇬#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/kGXPrbomu6
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 8, 2026
Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams completed a one-sided contest in which Alex Iwobi dictated the tempo from midfield. Nigeria were two goals up inside 25 minutes and never looked under threat.
Former Super Eagles striker and AFCON winner Victor Ikpeba said the performance confirmed Nigeria’s new status in the tournament.
“It looks very easy for our boys. I thought Mozambique would give us some problems, but we were clearly the better side,” the former Monaco man told Bet9ja. “Right now, we look like the team to beat.”
What has impressed most, Ikpeba believes, is the change in Nigeria’s attacking edge. The Super Eagles have now scored 12 goals in four matches, matching their best-ever return at a single Nations Cup, and appear far more ruthless than during their difficult World Cup qualifying campaign.
“During the qualifiers we struggled to score, but now the boys are in the groove,” Ikpeba added. “The confidence is there, and that makes a huge difference.”
The Round of 16 in full, goals and celebrations. Presented to you by @Danone. 🙌#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/TFvvWhqifV
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 7, 2026
He also credited head coach Eric Chelle for rebuilding belief after taking over during a low moment for the team. “He has done a tremendous job. The team looks united, confident and clear in what they want to do.”
Nigeria next face 2019 African champions Algeria in Marrakech in the quarter-final of the AFCON.
