Passport Soccer

AFCON 2025 Preview: Nigeria

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Nigeria enter the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations off of a bitter disappointment, failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after falling to DR Congo in the final of the African playoffs. The country is mourning the missed opportunity, but despite the disappointment, this Super Eagles squad is capable of winning their 4th Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria topped their AFCON 2025 qualifying group, but it wasn’t a straight forward qualification process. The low points for the Super Eagles included a draw and a home loss against Rwanda. But Nigeria were able to clinch qualification for their 21st AFCON following a draw away to neighbors Benin, courtesy of a late goal from star man Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria played some of the best football in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, making it all the way to finals. The Super Eagles were a very balanced side, with a strong defense and players at the top of the pitch who were match winners, including the likes of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. Many of the 2023 squad are returning for this years tournament, though they will be without a few key pieces in defense. Right-back Ola Aina is set to miss out through injury, while William Troost-Ekong, who captained Nigeria in 2023, retired from international football just weeks ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria are a side littered with top talent playing in some of the best leagues in the world. The jury still seems to be out on whether Éric Chelle is the man to lead Nigeria forward, and his position was in doubt following their failed World Cup qualification. Expectations will be high, as they always are with the Super Eagles.

Potential Starting XI

Coach

Éric Chelle

This will be Éric Chelle’s second Africa Cup of Nations as a head coach. The last coming with his native Mali in 2023. Some are surprised that Chelle was retained following the failure to qualify for the World Cup, so the pressure will be on to perform at AFCON.

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Players to Watch

Victor Osimhen
Age: 26
Position: CF
Caps/Goals: 45/31
Club: Galatasaray SK (Turkiye)

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Osimhen is Nigeria’s star man. Arguably the best centre-forward in all of Africa at the moment, Osimhen will be key for Nigeria once again. At just 26, Osimhen is already second in goals scored in Nigeria’s history.

Ademola Lookman
Age: 28
Position: LW/RW
Caps/Goals: 34/8
Club: Atalanta BC (Italy)

Ademola Lookman was one of the players of the tournament in 2023, and went on to win the African Player of the Year in 2024. Lookman again will be relied upon for his creativity and 1v1 ability in attack.