Nigeria finished in third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday, securing a record-extending ninth bronze medal with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt after a goalless draw in the third-place play-off.
The Super Eagles’ campaign in Morocco was marked by an entertaining, high-scoring attack that produced 14 goals in their first five matches, before a heartbreaking semi-final exit to the hosts on penalties.
Here is a ranking of Nigeria’s top five performers at AFCON 2025, based on their overall impact, goal contributions, defensive solidity, and consistent excellence throughout the tournament:
1. Victor Osimhen
The 27-year-old Galatasaray striker and 2023 African Player of the Year lived up to his billing as Nigeria’s talisman. He scored four goals (making him the tournament’s joint-second highest scorer) and provided two assists across six appearances, captaining the side in key matches. Osimhen led the press with intensity, dominated aerial duels, and displayed freakish athleticism, creating chaos for defenses alongside his attacking partners. Despite a brief emotional moment in the round of 16, he responded strongly in subsequent games, edging closer to Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Nigeria goal record (now just two short at 35 in 52 internationals).
2. Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta forward thrived in this competition once again, directly contributing to seven goals (three goals and four assists) in six matches — leading the tournament in goal involvements for much of the run. A positional shift to a No. 10 role behind the strikers unlocked his creativity, with standout displays including winners and multi-goal involvements in group games and the round of 16. Though quieter in the semi-final, Lookman reminded everyone of his big-stage quality after a tricky club start to the season.
3. Alex Iwobi
Entering his second decade with the Super Eagles (now 96 caps), the Fulham midfielder delivered arguably his finest AFCON yet in a deeper role alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. He set the tone early with two assists in the opener against Tanzania, showcasing silky skills, composure reminiscent of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha, and exceptional passing range — including defense-splitting balls that fueled Nigeria’s potent attack.
4. Calvin Bassey
The Fulham centre-back was a defensive rock, providing composure, strength, speed, and excellent game-reading across all six matches. Apart from a needless late yellow card in the 4-0 win over Mozambique, Bassey was near-faultless, delivering a heroic performance in the semi-final against Morocco. His ability to dribble past opponents and deliver diagonal passes added build-up quality, positioning him as the long-term bedrock of Nigeria’s defense.
5. Akor Adams
The AFCON rookie emerged as an underrated star and key forward, blending tireless running, unselfish play, and teamwork with goals and assists (including two goals and two assists overall). He shone in big wins like the 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique and the quarter-final against Algeria, forming a dynamic partnership with Osimhen and Lookman that terrorized opponents.