The Super Eagles of Nigeria have sent a powerful message to their rivals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, completing the group stage with a flawless record. Eric Chelle's men won all three of their Group C matches, setting the stage for a confident march into the tournament's knockout phase.
Dominant Group Stage Performance
Nigeria began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. They followed this with an entertaining 3-2 win against Tunisia, where Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman all scored. The team sealed their perfect run with a 3-1 triumph over Uganda, thanks to a brace from Raphael Onyedika and a goal from Paul Onuachu.
Lookman Tops Tournament Ratings
Following the conclusion of the group matches, the football statistics platform WhoScored released its player ratings. Ademola Lookman emerged as the highest-rated player in the tournament so far, with an impressive score of 8.36. The Atalanta forward has been instrumental for Nigeria, contributing two goals and an assist with his sharp attacking play.
Algeria's Riyad Mahrez secured second place with a rating of 8.02. In a proud moment for Nigerian fans, Samuel Chukwueze claimed third position with a rating of 7.92. The on-loan Fulham winger has provided two crucial assists for the Super Eagles. The top five was completed by Egypt's Mohamed Salah (7.85) and Manchester United's Amad Diallo (7.73).
Knockout Stage Awaits
The Super Eagles have been drawn against Mozambique in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8 PM Nigerian time. It will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco, the same venue where Nigeria contested all their group stage matches.
In other news, coach Eric Chelle provided an injury update, indicating that debutant defender Ryan Alebiosu is unlikely to feature again in the tournament despite completing 90 minutes in the last match, due to an injury sustained.
