CAF Recognizes Super Eagles Stars in AFCON 2025 Statistical Review
The Confederation of African Football has officially published the comprehensive statistical review for the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Morocco. This detailed analysis reveals the standout performers across various metrics, with three Nigerian internationals earning prominent recognition for their exceptional contributions throughout the competition.
Super Eagles' Impressive Tournament Campaign
Nigeria's national football team delivered a strong performance at AFCON 2025, ultimately securing a record-extending ninth bronze medal in the tournament's history. The Super Eagles achieved this accomplishment by defeating Egypt in a dramatic third-place playoff match that required penalty kicks to determine the winner. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero during this decisive encounter, making crucial saves that secured Nigeria's podium finish.
The Nigerian squad demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, beginning with a perfect group stage record. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against Tunisia, and concluded the group phase with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Uganda. The momentum continued into the knockout rounds, where Nigeria delivered a dominant 4-0 performance against Mozambique in the Round of 16 and secured a solid 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.
Nigeria's journey was halted in the semi-finals by tournament hosts Morocco, who prevailed 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw that extended to 120 minutes of regulation and extra time. Despite this setback, the Super Eagles regrouped effectively to claim the bronze medal in their final match of the competition.
Statistical Dominance by Nigerian Players
The CAF statistical analysis highlights several areas where Nigerian players excelled during AFCON 2025. Victor Osimhen led the tournament in total shots attempted with 21 efforts, 10 of which were on target. The Galatasaray striker found the net four times throughout the competition, finishing just one goal behind the tournament's Golden Boot winner, Brahim Diaz.
Ademola Lookman distinguished himself as the tournament's most creative force, providing four assists to lead all players in this crucial statistical category. His playmaking abilities were instrumental in Nigeria's attacking success throughout their seven matches in Morocco.
Calvin Bassey demonstrated exceptional ball distribution skills, averaging 74 passes per 90 minutes of play to lead all participants in this metric. His consistent and accurate passing from defensive positions helped Nigeria maintain possession and build attacking opportunities throughout the tournament.
Team Achievements and Additional Records
Beyond individual accomplishments, Nigeria as a team established several statistical benchmarks during AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles recorded the tournament's longest winning streak with five consecutive victories, scored the most total goals with 14, and maintained the highest average possession percentage at 66%. Three of Nigeria's goals resulted from fast breaks, showcasing their effectiveness in transition situations.
Nigerian players earned Player of the Match honors in six of their seven tournament appearances, with recognition going to Semi Ajayi against Tanzania, Ademola Lookman against Tunisia, Raphael Onyedika against Uganda, Victor Osimhen against Algeria, and Stanley Nwabali in the bronze medal match against Egypt.
All three statistical leaders - Osimhen, Lookman, and Bassey - were selected for the official AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament, joining four players each from Senegal and Morocco in this prestigious lineup.
Additional Nigerian Milestones
Several other Nigerian players achieved notable statistical milestones during the tournament. Alex Iwobi completed a remarkable 46 line-breaking passes, setting a new tournament record in this category. The midfielder also established a new Nigerian record by appearing in his 24th AFCON match, the most by any Nigerian midfielder in the competition's history.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali came within one clean sheet of equaling the tournament-leading total of five shutouts achieved by Yassine Bounou and Édouard Mendy. His performances between the posts were crucial to Nigeria's defensive solidity throughout the competition.
The statistical recognition from CAF underscores the significant impact Nigerian players made during AFCON 2025, with their individual excellence contributing substantially to the team's overall success and bronze medal achievement.
