Nigeria enter the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations seeking redemption after recent setbacks at international level. The Super Eagles arrive in Morocco following failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a second consecutive absence from the tournament for the first time since their debut in 1994
At the previous Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria reached the final before losing to tournament hosts. The near miss extended a wait for continental silverware, with the last AFCON title coming in 2013.
The 2025 edition presents an opportunity for Nigeria’s current generation to reset expectations. Despite the retirement of captain William Troost Ekong, the squad still features proven attacking leaders. African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline a group expected to carry the scoring burden and provide experience in decisive moments.
Nigeria compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia. Group stage results, goal scorers, and standings will shape the Super Eagles’ path toward a potential return to the final and a first AFCON title in twelve years.
Tournament focus centers on consistency, attacking output, and defensive balance as Nigeria attempt to convert past experience into continental success.
AFCON 2025 Nigeria squad
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd), Amas Obasogie(Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho(Omonia)
- Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
- Midfield: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
- Forwards: Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961).
Nigeria fixtures and scores
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
- Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (Ajayi 36′, Lookman 52′: M’Mombwa 50′)
Saturday, 27 December 2025
- Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (Osimhen 44′, Ndidi 50′, Lookman 67′ : Talbi 74′, Al Abdi 87’pen)
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (Mato 75′: Onuachu 28′, Onyedika 62′, 67′)
| Rank | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 9 |
| 2 | Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Tanzania | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 | Uganda | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 1 |
Summary
Nigeria begin the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco aiming to rebound after missing the 2026 World Cup. Drawn in Group C with Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia, the Super Eagles rely on stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to drive results and goal production.
