AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Unbeaten, Top Group C with 9 Points

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian Super Eagles have asserted their dominance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in emphatic style, sweeping through Group C with three victories from three matches to accumulate a maximum nine points.

As the tournament unfolds in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Nigeria’s commanding group-stage display has established them as strong contenders for a fourth African title, offering redemption following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Guided by head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles demonstrated sharp attacking efficiency, disciplined tactics, and impressive squad depth, overcoming Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in successive encounters.

Calvin Bassey of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in action against Uganda’s Cranes in their final Group C match of the 2025 AFCON.

This flawless group-stage run represents the fourth occasion in AFCON history that Nigeria has secured nine points from nine—matching achievements in 1992, 2006, and 2022—and has fueled optimism that this talented generation can translate early success into lasting triumph.

The campaign began with a determined 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the opening fixture. Despite facing a stubborn and organized Tanzanian defense, Nigeria took the lead through Semi Ajayi’s powerful header from a corner in the 36th minute.

Tanzania leveled shortly after the restart via Charles M’Mombwa, but Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, quickly restored the advantage with a stunning long-range strike just two minutes later.

Ademola Lookman in action during AFCON 2025.

Though the Super Eagles created numerous chances that went begging, their possession dominance and defensive resilience secured the vital three points to launch their tournament positively.

The momentum carried into the second match against Tunisia, widely regarded as the sternest challenge in the group.

In a thrilling contest, Nigeria delivered a powerful statement, racing to a 3-0 lead before holding off a late resurgence for a 3-2 win.

Victor Osimhen broke his AFCON scoring duck with a clinical header from Lookman’s cross on the stroke of halftime, marking a rare but crucial goal for the Galatasaray striker.

Wilfred Ndidi soon doubled the lead early in the second half with a towering header from another Lookman set-piece, his first-ever international goal arriving at a perfect moment as the new captain.

Victor Osimhe celebrating his goal against Tunisia.

Lookman then capped a man-of-the-match display by finishing coolly after Osimhen’s assist. Tunisia pulled two goals back through Montassar Talbi and a late Ali Abdi penalty, creating a tense finish, but Nigeria’s early control and attacking flair proved decisive, guaranteeing progression to the Round of 16 with a game to spare.

With top spot already secured, Chelle opted for rotation in the final group game against Uganda, yet the Super Eagles’ quality and depth shone through in a 3-1 triumph.

Paul Onuachu ended his lengthy international scoring drought with a composed finish in the 28th minute, before Raphael Onyedika emerged as the hero with a quickfire second-half brace—both goals assisted sharply by Samuel Chukwueze to extend the lead to 3-0.

Rogers Mato grabbed a late consolation for Uganda, but Nigeria’s superiority was clear, maintaining their perfect record while conceding in every match, highlighting a minor area for improvement in defensive concentration.

Nigeria now advance to the Round of 16.

Several elements underpinned this dominant group-stage performance.

The attacking prowess of stars like Osimhen, Lookman—who contributed goals and assists across the matches—and supporting players such as Chukwueze and Onuachu overwhelmed defenses, with Nigeria netting eight goals in total through lethal counters and set-piece execution.

In midfield, Onyedika’s emerging influence alongside Ndidi’s steel and Alex Iwobi’s progressive passing provided balance and creativity.

Chelle’s tactical adaptability, particularly in rotating effectively without losing momentum, showcased rare squad depth among African teams.

Moreover, the side displayed mental fortitude, channeling the frustration from World Cup qualifying setbacks into focused determination.

Semi Ajayi.

That said, conceding four goals across the three games points to occasional vulnerabilities at the back, where lapses in focus allowed opponents brief revivals. Achieving clean sheets will be essential as the competition intensifies.

As group winners, Nigeria now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face third-placed Mozambique from another group on January 5, 2026, at the Fez Stadium.

The Mambas, reaching the knockout stage for the first time after notable results including a win over Gabon, bring a dangerous counter-attacking threat.

Nigeria enjoys a strong historical edge over Mozambique, but complacency could prove fatal in single-elimination football.

With in-form talents including Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi, and Onyedika driving the charge, aspirations are high for a fourth AFCON crown, the first since 2013.

“Simple pass then celebrate with me”

This is what Chukweze meant, Bassey. 🤣🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCreateDifferent pic.twitter.com/l5AUn6YVEF

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 1, 2026

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