It would be understatement to say the Super Eagles of Nigeria could put up a splendid performance at the ongoing 2025 AFCON hosted by Morocco after they had failed to qualify to the 2026 World in a group that had countries with likes of South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Rwanda and later when they were offered the opportunity in the CAF playoffs suffered a shocking defeat in the hands of DR. Congo on penalties in Morocco. The Super Eagles of Nigeria in the group stages was the only team at par with the Algerian team to have won all their three (3) matches. They were also the only team to have scored the highest number of goals in the 2025 AFCON tournament at the group stages.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were on fire against the Mozambique team right from the blast of the referees whistle and dominated the match by humiliating the Mozambicans by four (4) solid goals to nothing to book a place in the quarter-finals. Super Eagles players were a delight to watch. Most especially, the team’s cohesion worked to perfection anytime they had the ball on the pitch. In the 20th minute Ademola Lookman the Atlanta player received a pass from Akor Adams and placed the ball at the back of the yarning net of their opponents to open the score for Nigeria. Ademola Lookman offered two assists to Victor Oshimhen to score brace and in the 75th minute, Akor Adams also dribbled past the Mozambican defender to unleash a thunderbolt to score his first goal in the AFCON.
Ademola Lookman’s performance on the day was fantastic, contributing to all the four (4) goals with his personal goal and three assists. His exceptional skills and vision on the field of play helped his team to dismantle the defense of their opponent. No wonder he was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the match played yesterday. Victor Oshimhen’s commanding brace was a testament to his growing form and confidence making him one of the top strikers in the tournament. Super Eagles dominance in their game against Mozambique was evident from the commencement of the game with the team controlling and pressuring the Mozambique’s defense without ceasing. Captain Winfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyeka was solid and their attack was too powerful for the Mozambique to cope the pace and precision.
The performance exhibited by the Super Eagles was splendid by all standards in every aspect of the game; and the likes of Calvin Bassey, Sammy Ajaye, Bruno Onyemechi, Bright Osayi Samuel in defence were able to make sure they don’t give the attackers of Mozambique a breathing space to have half chances to torment Stanley Nwabali. Super Eagles attackers were clinical and deadly, creating number of chances and converting them easily. This victory has secured them a spot in the quarter-finals and it has also sent a strong message to all the teams that will find their way into their hands that they went to sleep and now they have woken up. In the last edition of the AFCON they lost narrowly to La Cote D’ivoire in the finals and they are hungry for success to clinch the 4th title this time round to be at par with Ghana. The winner of Algeria and DR Congo at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat will come face to face with the Super Eagles.
In as much as football loving fans are singing praises for their superb performances right from the commencement of the tournament, I will at this juncture, urge them to approach their upcoming matches with full vim and vigour, be each other’s keeper on the pitch, Keep their composure and adhere to instructions from their Head Coach and his technical staff. Finally they must keep the unity in camp solid. It is about time the players knew this AFCON is a platform for them to exhibit their potential to earn contracts from other clubs. Super Eagles must guard against complacent and fight like a wounded lion to bring the smiles on the faces of their fans. The sky is your limit and you all must die a little for your beloved country to clinch the ultimate to prove to the world indeed you deserve to be called the Giant of Africa. Good Luck Super Eagles.
