Nigeria has been one of the strongest footballing nations in the continent for the better part of 50 years. This means the Super Eagles have found themselves in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals more times than any other African country. The issue is that they’ve advanced to the final only an abysmal eight times.
Egypt and Ghana have been to more finals than Nigeria, despite the latter having more opportunities. This semifinal is different from others though, as the Super Eagles have been red hot this campaign. Coming off a disastrous 2026 World Cup qualifiers, no one had faith in Eric Chelle’s men, but they have shown their class. The Eagles now face the hosts Morocco in the semifinal, in what would be survival of the fittest.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won all five games in the 2025 AFCON so far, and even a team that had not conceded at all in the competition, could not stop Nigeria from scoring and winning. The 3-time AFCON winners have scored 14 goals so far, conceding four.
Can Stanley Nwabali Keep His Concentration?
Many have complained about Nigeria’s shotstopper, Stanley Nwabali, and for good reason. Though the Super Eagles have been good defensively, they have not kept as many clean sheets as they should have. Nwabali has played four games in this AFCON, but has only saved 40% of his shots. This is incredibly poor. Unbelievably poor.
He has kept just two clean sheets, despite how well the Eagles have played all tournament. He is Nigeria’s best goalkeeper, so he needs to sort himself out. This game against Morocco would require 135% of his concentration.
Blazing hot Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the line
Victor Osimhen is now two goals away from being Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, and I’m sure he can smell the coffee. With four goals – the second most in the competition so far – Osimhen has a chance to win the Golden Boot. This would just give him more recognition, and would perhaps cement his place as one of Nigeria’s best ever strikers.
Osimhen now has 35 goals for his country, with the current all-time scorer, Rashidi Yakini, with 37. The Galatasaray striker has been all-action: scoring goals, providing assists, and creating big chances. Osimhen is tied with Ademola Lookman for the most big chances created (5).
Lookman has actually recorded more goal involvements in this AFCON so far, with three goals and four assists.
Alex Iwobi: The Lagos-Born Midfield Maestro
Iwobi has been something else entirely this AFCON. His passing has been otherworldly, pinging it long and short with ease. The Fulham midfielder has always been solid, but he has been near-excellent this competition, and he deserves his followers.
His line-breaking passes have been sensational. His long passing? Sublime. No central midfielder has been able to stand beside him so far, and that’s saying something.
Conclusion
The Super Eagles have proven that they are one of the favourites for this competition, but they have to beat the hosts to advance to the final and have a shot at glory. Other players have also played excellent supporting roles, like Akor Adams, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
With how well the Eagles have played until this point, it’d be a waste if they’re unable to get past Morocco now. Eric Chelle must make this count.
