Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have led Nigeria to a historic goal-scoring run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Super Eagles have scored 14 goals so far, breaking a 25-year-old team record.
Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals for the 16th time. Osimhen and Akor Adams scored in the second half to secure the win.
The team’s 14 goals in five matches beat the old record of 12 goals set by the 2000 squad, which included stars like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu. That team finished second after losing the final to Cameroon on penalties.
Tournament dominance continues
Nigeria are also making history by becoming one of the teams to win five straight matches at a single AFCON tournament. They have scored in every game and average almost three goals per match.
They scored two goals against Tanzania, three against Tunisia and Uganda, four against Mozambique, and two against Algeria. Their goal difference of +10 is the best in the competition.
Lookman has been Nigeria’s most creative player, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Playing behind the strikers, he created chances with smart passes and crosses.
Osimhen struggled early in the tournament but has now found his rhythm. He scored four goals in his last four games after going seven AFCON matches without scoring. His movement also helped his teammates find space.
Akor Adams has made a big impact, whether starting or coming off the bench. He has scored twice and provided assists, becoming an unexpected attacking option.
Alex Iwobi has been key in midfield, keeping the ball and starting attacks. He played many forward passes and helped Nigeria control games.
Defensive questions remain
There are still some defensive concerns. Nigeria have conceded four goals, though they have kept a clean sheets in the knockout rounds against – Mozambique and Algeria. Defender Calvin Bassey avoided suspension and will be available for the semi-final.
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Off the pitch, there were problems when players complained about unpaid bonuses and threatened to skip training. The Nigerian government stepped in, and the money was paid shortly before the Algeria match.
Nigeria will now face Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday in Rabat. The home crowd is expected to strongly support Morocco, making it a tough challenge.
This is Nigeria’s 16th AFCON semi-final, matching Egypt’s record. Their last semi-final was in 2023, when they finished second to Ivory Coast.
Nigeria have won AFCON three times—in 1980, 1994, and 2013—and are eager to end a 12-year wait for another title.
Morocco beat Cameroon 2–0 to reach the semi-finals. Brahim Diaz has five goals and leads the scoring chart, just ahead of Lookman and Osimhen.
Nigeria came into the tournament determined to bounce back after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. That disappointment has pushed the team to perform better.
Coach Eric Chelle adjusted his tactics well against Algeria, matching their intensity and pressing high. Algeria struggled all game and failed to record a single shot on target.
Nigeria controlled most of the match, kept possession, and won the ball back quickly whenever they lost it.
Now the tournament’s top scorers face their toughest test yet. Morocco’s home advantage and strong fan support stand between Nigeria and a place in the final.
