7 players who will propel Super Eagles against Taifa Stars

Three-time African champions, Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign this evening with a familiar blend of expectation and urgency. Runners-up at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco determined to banish recent disappointments, chief among them the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their […]

Three-time African champions, Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign this evening with a familiar blend of expectation and urgency.

Runners-up at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco determined to banish recent disappointments, chief among them the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Their group-stage opener against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium offers an early opportunity to set the tone, and several key figures will be central to how convincingly Eric Chelle’s side delivers.

 

 Wilfred Ndidi

Few players embody continuity in the current Super Eagles setup quite like Wilfred Ndidi. A mainstay of the national team since his debut in 2015, the Besiktas midfielder brings a decade of international experience into this tournament. His importance is heightened by circumstance: the retirements of Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong have left a leadership vacuum, one Ndidi is now tasked with filling as Nigeria’s new captain.

Operating at the base of midfield, Ndidi’s responsibilities go beyond ball-winning. He will be expected to dictate tempo, offer positional discipline in Chelle’s diamond system and provide authority in moments of pressure. Having missed the 2023 AFCON through injury, Morocco represents both a return and a test of his leadership credentials, starting with Tanzania.

 

 Victor Osimhen

Nigeria’s fortunes continue to rise and fall with Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker is more than a prolific goalscorer; he is the trigger for Nigeria’s pressing game and the focal point of their attacking identity. His absence has previously exposed a blunt edge, while his presence transforms the Super Eagles into a far more aggressive and confident unit.

The group opener offers Osimhen the perfect platform to impose himself early. With 31 international goals already, and closing in on Nigeria’s all-time scoring record, he remains the player opponents fear most. Against a Tanzania side short on confidence, Osimhen’s movement, intensity and finishing could quickly tilt the contest.

 

 Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman’s relationship with the AFCON stage is a compelling one. Although he switched allegiance from England in 2022, it was at AFCON 2023 that he truly announced himself to African audiences. Three goals in Côte d’Ivoire, joint-best for Nigeria, underpinned a tournament that elevated his status both internationally and at club level.

Since then, consistency in a Nigerian shirt has been elusive. However, Lookman’s pedigree is unquestioned. A Europa League winner with Atalanta and a former CAF Player of the Year, he thrives when confidence flows. The opener against Tanzania may be the ideal moment for him to rediscover the sharpness and decisiveness that defined his last AFCON outing.

 

 Calvin Bassey

With Troost-Ekong’s retirement, Nigeria’s defensive hierarchy has shifted. Calvin Bassey now assumes greater responsibility, not only as a centre-back but as an organiser and leader of the back line. His partnership with Semi Ajayi showed promise in the previous tournament, blending physicality with composure.

Bassey’s aggressive style and willingness to engage in duels will be vital against Tanzania’s direct threats. More importantly, his ability to marshal the defence and maintain concentration could determine whether Nigeria control the match comfortably or invite unnecessary pressure.

 

 Stanley Nwabali

Stanley Nwabali’s rise during AFCON 2023 was one of Nigeria’s most positive stories. The Chippa United goalkeeper delivered assured performances that earned him the undisputed number-one role. Yet heading into this tournament, questions linger over his fitness, placing added scrutiny on his contribution.

Nigeria’s depth in goal is not as reassuring as in other areas, making Nwabali’s presence critical. A steady performance against Tanzania would not only solidify confidence at the back but also allow the Super Eagles to play with greater freedom further up the pitch.

 

 Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi remains central to how fluid Nigeria’s midfield can be. Often operating between the lines, the Fulham midfielder provides the link between Ndidi’s defensive security and the attacking quartet ahead of him. His ability to carry the ball under pressure, switch play quickly and arrive late into dangerous areas offers Chelle tactical flexibility. In matches where opponents sit deep, Iwobi’s composure and decision-making could be crucial in unlocking stubborn defensive blocks.

Moses Simon

While not always the most prolific, Moses Simon’s value lies in his directness. The Nantes winger brings pace, width and a willingness to isolate full-backs in one-on-one situations. Against a Tanzanian side likely to defend compactly, Simon’s ability to stretch play and deliver early balls into the box could create space for Osimhen and Lookman to exploit.

 

 Worthy mentions:

Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze arrives in strong form and offers unpredictability Nigeria often rely on in tight matches. Whether drifting wide or driving centrally, his acceleration and shooting ability make him a constant threat. If Tanzania allow him time on the ball, he has the tools to punish them decisively.

 

Semi Ajayi

Ajayi’s partnership with Bassey will be fundamental to Nigeria’s defensive stability. Calm in possession and disciplined positionally, the West Brom defender provides balance alongside Bassey’s aggression. His aerial strength also adds value at both ends of the pitch, particularly from set pieces.

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel

At full-back, Osayi-Samuel’s athleticism offers Nigeria an additional attacking outlet. His overlapping runs can overload the flanks and pin Tanzania deep, while his recovery pace helps guard against counter-attacks. In a game Nigeria are expected to dominate territorially, his engine could prove invaluable.