adminNigeria have appeared in the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on twenty occasions. Nigeria has won the cup three times: the first time was in 1980 and they won a second title in the 1994, held in Tunisia. Nigeria won their third African title in 2013, held in South Africa. Heading into the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, Nigeria are set to win their 4th titles with their squad which is fully packed with stars that has made their names in Europe.
Sierra Leone’s captain Steven Caulker believes Nigeria will win, according to his interview on
Key Players for the Nigerian Team
Osimhen started the qualification for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in sparkling form, helping Nigeria win their first two matches. Osimhen netted a goal against Sierra Leone and another four goals in a 10–0 win against São Tomé and Príncipe. Osimhen’s super hat-trick was his first senior international hat-trick for the Super Eagles. In the reverse fixture played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on 10 September 2023, Osimhen scored his second international hat-trick in Nigeria’s 6–0 win against São Tomé and Principe, finishing the 2023 AFCON qualifiers as top scorer with ten goals. In December 2023, he was called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He netted a goal in the opening match against Equatorial Guinea, which ended in a 1–1 draw. He went on to guide his team to the final against Cote d’Ivoire but unfortunately the match ended in a defeat.
Ademola Lookman scored twice as Nigeria earned a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 with a 2-0 win over Cameroon. The former Everton, Fulham and Leicester midfielder scored a goal in each half to help secure The Super Eagles’ place in the last-eight. The Atalanta star man will lead the Super Eagles attack for the upcoming AFCON finals in Morocco to help Nigeria win their 4th title. Ademola Lookman was on fire at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where he helped his team to reach the final. He will also capitalise on club form, where he led Atalanta to their first European trophy ever.
Chukwueze’s biggest strength is his pace and his runs in behind the defence. He is known for his blistering pace and his ability to use it effectively by drifting infield and peeling away. He feels really fast, especially in the attack, and is explosive. The AC Milan winger scored a brace recently in a friendly game against Real Madrid and will look to capitalise on this form heading into the AFCON to help Nigeria to win their 4th AFCON title.
Wilfred Ndidi: The experienced defensive midfielder is crucial in the Nigeria team. He is known for his defensive abilities and his ability to move the ball forward with ease. The Leicester City midfielder is one of the best defensive midfielders in the English Premier League. After helping Nigeria to reach the finals in the last AFCON, he will be ready to help his nation to win a 4th AFCON title.
Kenneth Omeruo has represented Nigeria since 2013 up to date. Omeruo cemented a place in the starting line-up at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 as the Super Eagles emerged victorious in the tournament. In 2019, he scored his first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea. He was a vital part of the Super Eagles team that won the bronze medal in 2019.The Nigerian captain is vital in the Super Eagles team. His leadership is needed at the backline to keep the opponents’ attack at bay. He was vital in the last AFCON, where Nigeria lost in the final. Heading to the AFCON 2025, he will be a crucial player for the Super Eagles in their pursuit of the 4th title.
However, winning AFCON is not an easy task as there will be many surprises at the tournament. Nigeria will rub shoulders with some of the best teams in Africa the likes of Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana etc. Senegal has been the best in Africa on the FIFA rankings for the last few years. They were defending champions in the 2023 AFCON that was played in Cote d’Ivoire; even though they lost their title, their performances gave hope to the people of Senegal.
As of Cameroon, they are one of Africa’s major forces in the Africa Cup of Nations. Cameroon won its first tournament in 1984; Cameroon emerged and became a fearsome power of the tournament, winning the tournament again in 2000, 2002 and 2017. The 2017 tournament was the last tournament to date Cameroon has won. Heading into the next AFCON, Cameroon will set their eyes on the trophy to win the tournament for the 4th time.
Ghana is one of Africa’s major forces in the Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana made its debut in 1963, and quickly emerged as a powerful team in the tournament and went on to win the tournament again in 1965, 1978 and in 1982, which was the last tournament to date Ghana has won.
Online Reporter