The Super Eagles of Nigeria have etched their name into the history books with a breathtaking attacking display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, clinching the bronze medal with a record-setting goal haul.
Historic Goal Feat Secures Third Place
Nigeria concluded their campaign on January 17, 2026, by defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a tense third-place play-off ended 0-0 following extra time. While the shootout secured the medal, the tournament's defining story was the team's unprecedented firepower. The Eagles netted 14 goals across five matches, shattering their previous single-tournament best of 11 goals set during their victorious 2013 campaign.
Trio of Stars Lead Record Charge
This historic output was powered by the formidable front three of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams. Together, the attackers combined for nine goals and seven assists, forming a balanced and lethal partnership. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen finished as the team's top scorer with four goals, including a decisive brace in the 4-0 round of 16 thrashing of Mozambique.
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman contributed three goals and a team-high four assists, showcasing his creativity and vision. Newcomer Akor Adams added crucial goals, like his strike against Algeria, and used his blistering pace to constantly trouble opposition defences.
A Journey of Attack and Near Miss
Nigeria's path to bronze was built on this offensive foundation. The team won all three group stage matches, including a victory over Tunisia, scoring eight times. The momentum peaked in the round of 16 against Mozambique, where the attacking trio operated in perfect sync. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, Osimhen added two more, and Adams completed the 4-0 rout.
The quarter-final victory over Algeria added to the tally before the dream run hit a wall in the semi-final. After 120 goalless minutes against host nation Morocco, the Super Eagles fell in a penalty shootout, missing the final. However, they displayed resilience to bounce back and overcome Egypt in the bronze medal match.
Where Nigeria's Record Stands in History
Nigeria's 14-goal explosion places them among the most prolific sides in AFCON annals. The tally is just two goals short of the all-time single-tournament record of 16 goals set by Ivory Coast in 2008. It also draws comparisons to other high-scoring campaigns, such as Zambia's 15-goal effort in 1996, which also yielded a bronze medal.
The key difference from champions like Egypt, who scored 15 goals to win in 2008, was Nigeria's inability to keep clean sheets in the knockout stages and their fate in the semi-final shootout. Nevertheless, under coach Eric Chelle, the team established a clear, fast, and direct attacking identity that thrilled fans and marked significant progress.
This bronze medal campaign, built on the pillars of Osimhen's power, Lookman's guile, and Adams' pace, will be remembered not just for the podium finish, but for the record-shattering goal fest that delivered it.
