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Nigeria’s statement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been loud, confident and unmistakable.
Two games, two wins. Five goals scored, three conceded. Qualification secured with a match to spare. For a Super Eagles side that arrived in Morocco with cautious optimism rather than outright hype, Eric Chelle’s team have lit up the group stage with attacking intent, physical authority and moments of individual brilliance.
More importantly, this Nigeria side already looks like one built for the long haul of tournament football. There is balance, there is personality, and there are players stepping forward to shape games when it matters.
Aerial masterclass by Osimhen earns him today’s @1xBet_Eng Goal of the Day! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/L4wzvIdQv5
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 28, 2025
If the Super Eagles are to push deep into the knockout rounds, it will be because their most influential figures continue to deliver. Here are the standout performers driving Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign so far.
Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey looks every inch the defensive pillar Nigeria will lean on for the next decade.
The Fulham centre-back has now played every minute of Nigeria’s last 12 matches, and his authority has been evident throughout the tournament. Against Tanzania and Tunisia, Bassey combined raw physical power with growing tactical maturity; stepping out to intercept, winning aerial duels, and organising those around him.
Officially qualified for the round of 16. pic.twitter.com/gYARsgvNaR
— (@Varticoo) December 27, 2025
Nigeria have conceded three goals in two games, but few of the defensive issues can be traced back to Bassey. His intensity, concentration and willingness to defend on the front foot have been consistent. The developing partnership with Semi Ajayi still needs refinement, particularly in defensive transitions, but Bassey’s presence alone gives Chelle reassurance.
He is not just defending; he is leading.
Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi arrived at AFCON 2025 with questions hanging over him. He leaves Nigeria’s first two games with those doubts firmly answered.
Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi scores first international goal for Nigeria against Tunisia, and recreates Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic celebration at Atlanta 96 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/JQwV7LJfKy
— CHUKS (@ChuksEricE) December 27, 2025
After enduring criticism for club and country form before the tournament, Ndidi has looked revitalised in Morocco. He has broken up opposition build-up play, dominated midfield duels and screened the defence with the authority of his Leicester City peak years.
The captain’s armband – inherited following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement – appears to have reignited his competitive edge. Against Tunisia, Ndidi crowned his performance with his first-ever Super Eagles goal, a symbolic moment that marked his resurgence.
This is the Ndidi Nigeria have missed: combative, disciplined and decisive. Chelle would dearly miss him if his influence were removed.
Alex Iwobi
Few players in the Super Eagles squad combine intelligence, versatility and technical clarity quite like Alex Iwobi.
At AFCON 2025, he has been quietly outstanding. Against Tanzania, the Fulham midfielder ran the game, providing two assists in a dominant all-round display that earned him Man of the Match honours. Against Tunisia, he was repositioned as a deeper midfield conductor and thrived again.
Iwobi dictated tempo, linked play effortlessly and provided the pre-assist for Nigeria’s third goal, slicing Tunisia open with a perfectly weighted through ball to Victor Osimhen. His movement between lines and press resistance have given Nigeria fluency in possession.
There is no like-for-like replacement for him in this squad. His form could define how far Nigeria go.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s influence goes far beyond goals but now, the goals are flowing too.
Against Tanzania, he was a constant menace without reward. Against Tunisia, he delivered decisively: one goal, one assist, endless pressing and a willingness to drag defenders out of position. His AFCON goal drought, stretching seven matches, is finally over.
NIGERIA THROUGH ALREADYLOOKMAN AND OSIMHEN#oshimen pic.twitter.com/SsTUEjRvQh
— boodsbants (@boodsbants) December 27, 2025
Now on 32 international goals, Osimhen sits just five behind Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Super Eagles record. With the weight lifted, Nigeria’s talisman looks ready to explode.
If Osimhen fires consistently, Nigeria will not just reach the semifinals, they will threaten the trophy.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has been Nigeria’s most influential player at AFCON 2025. There is no debate.
The Atalanta forward scored the match-winner against Tanzania, then delivered a masterclass against Tunisia: two assists, one goal and a Man of the Match award. His smashed strike proved decisive once again, another indicator of his knack for big moments.
GOAL! Ademola Lookman scores for Nigeria to make it 3-0 against Tunisia. He’s now been involved in four goals in two games at the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/xxNwH0kIff
— GNB Official (@GHNaijaBallers) December 27, 2025
Lookman now leads the tournament for goal contributions, with four (two goals, two assists). His AFCON pedigree is already proven, three goals and an assist in last year’s run to the final, and this time, he looks even sharper.
Direct, fearless and decisive, Lookman is playing like a man chasing silverware. Nigeria will gladly follow.
