After the first round of matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Group C is unfolding almost exactly as expected, but with enough fresh detail to keep the narrative intriguing.
The heavyweights avoided early embarrassment. Nigeria edged past a stubborn Tanzania side, grinding out a professional victory even if it demanded patience and composure.
Tunisia, meanwhile, brushed aside Uganda with authority. Yet beyond the scorelines, the opening fixtures revealed something more compelling: while established stars still dominate the spotlight, a new generation is pressing hard for relevance.
Group C is not short of attacking quality. It blends proven continental icons with forwards who thrive on moments, movement and menace rather than reputation alone. From elite Champions League scorers to battle-hardened leaders carrying underdogs on their backs, these are the five forwards shaping, and likely to define, the group.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen remains the standard-bearer. Africa’s most valuable centre-forward and arguably its most feared striker, he arrives at AFCON 2025 in formidable form after scoring freely for Galatasaray in both the Turkish Super Lig and the UEFA Champions League.
The first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot and crowned Africa Footballer of the Year in 2023, Osimhen is devastating inside the box and relentless outside it. His movement is sharp, his physicality brutal, and his hunger unmistakable.
Against Tanzania, he was constantly dangerous; occupying centre-backs, attacking space and stretching the defensive line. The ball simply refused to cooperate. His only clear finish was ruled out after VAR intervention, denying him an opening-day goal but not diminishing his influence.
Osimhen is widely tipped to finish among the tournament’s top scorers, and it would be extraordinary if he does not make decisive contributions against Tunisia and Uganda. Sooner rather than later, defences will crack.
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Ademola Lookman
If Osimhen is the battering ram, Ademola Lookman is the blade.
The reigning 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year, Lookman combines intelligence, balance and explosive finishing. On his day, he is almost impossible to contain; equally capable of crafting chances or finishing them with venom.
He settled Nigeria’s nerves against Tanzania with a superb strike from the edge of the area, confirming again his knack for delivering in decisive moments. Nigeria’s joint top scorer at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the Atalanta forward looks primed for another productive tournament.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle places immense trust in Lookman, often using him as Nigeria’s creative release valve when Osimhen is tightly marked. If opponents focus solely on stopping Nigeria’s number nine, Lookman is the player most likely to punish them.
Elias Achouri
Tunisia arrived in Morocco with familiar names leading the line, but Elias Achouri wasted little time announcing himself as the main man.
The FC Copenhagen forward stole the show on matchday one, scoring twice in Tunisia’s 3–1 win over Uganda. Sharp, instinctive and deadly inside the box, Achouri possesses the rare ability to appear exactly where defenders least expect him.
At 26, he blends maturity with ambition. His reading of danger areas, combined with subtle movement between centre-backs, makes him difficult to track. Already among the early top scorers at the tournament, he is well placed to exploit any lapse in concentration from Nigeria or Tanzania.
Ignore Achouri at your peril.
Mbwana Samatta
Every underdog needs a standard-bearer. For Tanzania, that role belongs to Mbwana Samatta.
The Taifa Stars captain is the emotional and tactical engine of the side. Now with Le Havre, Samatta remains one of the finest forwards his country has produced. With 85 caps and 22 goals, he ranks among Tanzania’s greatest ever scorers, backed by Premier League experience with Aston Villa.
Samatta’s game is built on intelligence rather than glamour. He presses relentlessly, drags defenders out of shape, links play selflessly and arrives late into dangerous areas. Nigeria largely kept him quiet, but that required discipline and concentration.
Against Tunisia and Uganda, Samatta’s movement and leadership could prove decisive. He may not dominate possession, but he dominates moments.
Simon Msuva
If Tanzania are to dream big, Simon Msuva will be central to that ambition.
Direct, fearless and quick, the Al-Talaba SC forward is devastating when isolated against full-backs. With 24 goals in 99 appearances, Msuva earned his 100th cap against Nigeria, a landmark achieved by only a select few in Taifa Stars history.
The motivation is obvious. One goal against Uganda would see him draw level with Mrisho Ngassa as Tanzania’s all-time top scorer; two would hand him the record outright. Expect urgency, aggression and intent.
Give Msuva space, allow him to cut inside, and punishment is almost guaranteed.
Denis Omedi
Uganda boast several intriguing attacking options, but Denis Omedi seized his moment against Tunisia.
The 29-year-old APR forward scored a well-taken consolation goal and reminded observers of his unique ability to produce spectacular finishes. His reputation was already established after his rabona strike against KCCA earned nominations for both the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award and CAF Goal of the Year, a rare double honour.
Finishing third at the Puskás Awards with 16 points, Omedi is a forward who thrives on confidence and imagination. Nigeria and Tanzania would be wise to stay alert. One moment of space is all he needs.