Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign came to a devastating end in the semi-finals, as the Super Eagles heartbreakingly lost on penalties to hosts Morocco following a tense, hard-fought 0-0 draw that lasted the full 120 minutes.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, the tournament showcased many moments of resilience, determination and stunning quality across the Super Eagles squad, and in this article, we will be rating each player’s performances at the competition:
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Amas Obasogie (GK) – Did not play
Francis Uzoho (GK) – 5/10: Uzoho made just one appearance, failing to make a save and conceding one goal in the 3-1 group-stage win against Uganda.
Stanley Nwabali (GK) – 8/10: Nwabali conceded just three goals in five games, while the goalkeeper was superb in the eventual semi-final defeat, making five stops and even saving a penalty in the shootout.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (DEF) – 7/10: Osayi-Samuel was an unsung hero for Nigeria at right-back, impressing both offensively and defensively.
Bruno Onyemaechi (DEF) – 7/10: Onyemaechi was similarly impressive at left-back, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s left flank.
Calvin Bassey (DEF) – 8/10: Bassey was fantastic for Nigeria throughout the tournament, providing a solid foundation in defence that enabled the attacking players to play to their best abilities.
Chidozie Awaziem (DEF) – 5/10: Awaziem did not start a game for Nigeria, but the defender did help see out three victories in substitute appearances.
Igoh Ogbu (DEF) – 6/10 – Ogbu started in the win against Uganda and helped see out the win over Algeria, but his performances were largely unremarkable.
Semi Ajayi (DEF) – 7/10: Ajayi had a particularly difficult game against Tunisia in the group stage, but the central defender was otherwise part of an impressive back-two with Bassey.
Zaidu Sanusi (DEF) – 5/10: Sanusi started the first game of the competition but quickly lost his place to Onyemaechi after his unremarkable first performance.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (MID) – Did not play
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (MID) – 6/10: The midfielder impressed off the bench in the group-stage, but failed to have an impact off the bench in the knockout rounds.
Frank Onyeka (MID) – 7/10: Onyeka started four of Nigeria’s six games and helped provide a defensive stability in the middle of the park.
Mohammed Usman (MID) – Did not play
Raphael Onyedika (MID) – 6/10: Onyedika was highly impressive as he scored twice in the win against Uganda in the group stage, but the midfielder subsequently struggled in his two knockout round appearances.
Ryan Alebiosu (MID) – 6/10: Alebiosu made only one appearance in the win against Uganda, but the midfielder did show his qualities in that victory.
Tochukwu Nnadi (MID) – 5/10: Nnadi featured in just 14 minutes of AFCON action, and it was a largely forgettable cameo.
Wilfred Ndidi (MID) – 7/10: Captain Ndidi was an assured presence in the midfield for much of the tournament, but he was sorely missed in the semi-final due to a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
Alex Iwobi (MID) – 6/10: Iwobi demonstrated his quality in moments during the tournament, but his impact on games was far too inconsistent, particularly struggling to get on the ball in the semi-final.
Ademola Lookman (ATT) – 9/10: Lookman had a stunning AFCON tournament, scoring three and assisting four goals in five appearances.
Akor Adams (ATT) – 8/10: Adams also impressed in attack, scoring two and assisting two in six matches.
Chidera Ejuke (ATT) – 5/10: Ejuke had a forgettable 11-minute cameo during the group-stage match against Tunisia.
Cyriel Dessers (ATT) – Did not play
Lawal Fago (ATT) – Fago played just one minute of action, making his performance unratable.
Moses Simon (ATT) – 5/10: Nigeria’s attack was their biggest strength, but Simon struggled to demonstrate his qualities in his five substitute appearances and one start.
Paul Onuachu (ATT) – 6/10: Onuachu scored in his only start in the tournament, but he otherwise failed to make an impact.
Samuel Chukwueze (ATT) – 6/10: Chukwueze registered two assists in two group stage games, but the winger was displaced in the team and could not break back into the starting side after unremarkable substitute appearances as the tournament progressed.
Victor Osimhen (ATT) – 8/10: Osimhen scored four and assisted two in six appearances, but his disappointing performance in the semi-final will leave a sour taste in the mouth of Nigeria fans.
