TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know Your Team: Nigeria

The Super Eagles are heading into the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 with a rich pedigree, aiming to secure their fourth title in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.
Fact file
Nickname: Super Eagles
AFCON Appearances: 21st appearance
AFCON Titles: Three (1980, 1994, 2013)
FIFA Ranking: 44 (December 2024)
How They Qualified
Nigeria topped a competitive qualifying group that featured Benin, Libya, and Rwanda. Their campaign was marked by resilience and attacking flair, with key players stepping up at crucial moments.
Coach: Eric Sekou Chelle
Guided by head coach Eric Sekou Chelle, who has infused tactical discipline and an attacking philosophy into the team, Nigeria will look to build on their runner-up finish at the last edition held in Côte d'Ivoire. Chelle, a former defender with vast experience coaching on the continent, has emphasized consistency and mental fortitude as the keys to success for the Super Eagles in Morocco.
Key Players to Watch
Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, will be Nigeria's creative engine, while talismanic striker Victor Osimhen remains the team’s standout goal threat. Both Lookman and Osimhen netted twice during the qualifiers, underscoring their importance to the Super Eagles' ambitions.
Past AFCON Performances
Nigeria has a storied history in the AFCON, lifting the trophy three times (1980, 1994, 2013) and finishing as runners-up on five occasions. Their consistency at the tournament has cemented their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
What to Expect
The Super Eagles boast one of the tournament's most potent attacking lineups, with their depth in forward positions making them a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, questions linger over their midfield and defensive cohesion, which could prove decisive against top-tier opposition. Nevertheless, expectations are high for Nigeria to at least reach the semifinals.
Fan Zone: Did You Know?
The last time the AFCON tournament was held in Morocco, Nigeria finished as runners-up. Could history repeat itself, or will the Super Eagles go one step further this time around?