Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman Lead Super Eagles: Tactical Preview of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Campaign

The Africa Cup of Nations returns to Morocco, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are ready to make a statement. After the heartbreak of losing the 2024 AFCON final and missing out on the 2026 World Cup, this tournament represents redemption for the three-time African champions.

Coach Eric Chelle has named a 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, with star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headlining a group stacked with attacking firepower. But can this talented squad finally bring the trophy back to Nigeria after 12 years of waiting?

The Squad: Attack, Attack, Attack

One look at Nigeria’s squad tells you everything about Eric Chelle’s philosophy—this team is built to score goals. Nine forwards have been selected, including reigning African stars Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Lookman (Atalanta).

The Star Duo

Victor Osimhen arrives in Morocco as one of Africa’s most feared strikers. The Galatasaray forward, who won the 2023 African Player of the Year award, brings pace, power, and a clinical finishing touch. His ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game makes him the perfect focal point for Nigeria’s attack.

Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year, complements Osimhen perfectly. The Atalanta winger is electric with the ball at his feet, capable of creating something from nothing. His dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal give Nigeria a different attacking dimension.

Supporting Cast

Behind the star duo, Nigeria boasts serious depth:

• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham) – Pace and trickery on the wing
• Moses Simon (Paris FC) – Experience and work rate
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla) – Direct running and flair
• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) – Physical presence and aerial threat
• Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos) – Movement and finishing
• Akor Adams (Sevilla) – Rising talent with hunger

How Will Nigeria Play Under Eric Chelle?

Under Chelle, Nigeria adopted a more aggressive, front-foot approach, pressing higher up the pitch and committing numbers forward. The Malian coach has brought a clear tactical identity to the Super Eagles.

Formation Flexibility

An apostle of free-flowing football using wingers in a 4-4-2 formation, Chelle is no slave to a particular tactic, but in all of his formations he is more at home with playing with two strikers. Expect to see variations of 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, with the constant being Nigeria’s attacking intent.

The likely setup:

• 4-4-2 Diamond: Two strikers up top (Osimhen and Lookman), with creative midfielders supporting
• 4-3-3: Osimhen central, flanked by Lookman and Chukwueze for width
• Tactical switches: Chelle isn’t afraid to adapt mid-game, even switching to five defenders when protecting a lead

Key Tactical Principles

High pressing: Nigeria will hunt for the ball in the opposition half, forcing mistakes and creating quick counter-attacking opportunities.

Quick transitions: When Nigeria wins the ball, they’ll look to attack at pace. Lookman’s dribbling and Osimhen’s runs in behind will be crucial.

Wing play: Expect Nigeria’s full-backs to push high, creating overloads in wide areas and delivering crosses for Osimhen.

Midfield control: Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi provide the balance, with Ndidi breaking up play and Iwobi linking defense to attack.

Group C: The Challenge Ahead

Nigeria’s Group C fixtures are: December 23 vs Tanzania in Fes (12:00), December 27 vs Tunisia in Fes (12:00), December 30 vs Uganda in Fes (17:00).

Match 1: Tanzania (December 23)

Tanzania approach AFCON 2025 as a team eager to rediscover its rhythm after going over a year without a win. This is Nigeria’s easiest fixture on paper, but dangerous for that very reason.

The Danger: Tanzania will defend deep, stay organized, and look to catch Nigeria on the counter. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain from a shock result.

What Nigeria Must Do: Patience is key. Nigeria must break down a packed defense without getting frustrated. Quick combinations around the box, set pieces, and wing play will be crucial. A strong start to the tournament matters—confidence from a comfortable win against Tanzania could set the tone for the entire group stage.

Match 2: Tunisia (December 27)

This is the big one. Tunisia’s impressive World Cup qualification, topped off with a morale-boosting draw against Brazil, has reinforced the sense that this squad is capable of challenging any team on the continent.

The Danger: Tunisia carry a reputation for control—compact structures, risk-managed possession, and ruthless exploitation of moments. They’ll squeeze space, frustrate Nigeria’s attackers, and punish any defensive lapses.

What Nigeria Must Do: This game will test Nigeria’s tactical discipline. Tunisia won’t give up space easily, so Nigeria must be patient in possession while staying alert to Tunisia’s counter-attacks. The midfield battle between Ndidi and Tunisia’s playmakers will be decisive.

Match 3: Uganda (December 30)

Uganda bring collective grit and a defensive spine that frustrates favorites, with their route to points built on intensity, second-ball wins, and counters that catch opponents over-committing.

The Danger: By the final group game, Uganda might need a result to progress. Expect a physical, intense battle with Uganda throwing everything at Nigeria.

What Nigeria Must Do: Match Uganda’s physicality without being dragged into a scrappy game. Nigeria’s superior technical quality should shine through if they stay composed and move the ball quickly.

Key Players to Watch

Wilfred Ndidi (Captain)

Ndidi provides defensive stability in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and starting Nigeria’s transitions. His leadership will be crucial in keeping the team focused.

Calvin Bassey

The solid defender will be key to Nigeria’s defensive organization. With Tunisia and Uganda posing different threats, Bassey’s versatility and reading of the game will be tested.

Alex Iwobi

The link between defense and attack, Iwobi’s movement and passing will unlock defenses. His Premier League experience brings composure to Nigeria’s build-up play.

The Tactical X-Factor: Ademola Lookman

While Osimhen gets the headlines, Lookman might be Nigeria’s most important player. Lookman hadn’t played much for Atalanta early in the season, but Chelle couldn’t name a squad without the African Player of the Year, noting he can change a game in 15 minutes.

Lookman’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one, create chances from nothing, and score spectacular goals makes him unplayable on his day. Tunisia and Uganda will focus on stopping Osimhen, which could leave space for Lookman to exploit.

Can Nigeria Win AFCON 2025?

The Super Eagles open their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, then face Tunisia and Uganda as they aim to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds. With the top two teams progressing automatically (and four of six third-placed teams also advancing), Nigeria should reach the knockout stages.

But can they go all the way?

Strengths:

• Attacking firepower: Nine forwards provide options and solutions
• Experience: Many players competed in the 2024 AFCON final
• Tactical flexibility: Chelle can adapt mid-game
• Motivation: Missing the World Cup and losing the last AFCON final provides fuel

Concerns:

• Defensive stability: Can Nigeria keep clean sheets against top opposition?
• Pressure: Expectations are massive—Nigeria haven’t won AFCON since 2013
• New coach: Chelle only took over in January 2025; is there enough chemistry?

Prediction: Nigeria’s Tournament Path

Group Stage: Nigeria should top Group C or finish second. A perfect nine points is possible but not guaranteed—Tunisia will be tough.

Round of 16: Nigeria’s quality should see them through to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals and Beyond: This is where it gets interesting. Nigeria could face hosts Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast, or powerhouses like Senegal or Egypt. These are 50-50 games where experience, mentality, and a moment of brilliance from Osimhen or Lookman could make the difference.

Nigeria arrives at AFCON 2025 with a point to prove. The squad is talented, the attack is frightening, and Eric Chelle has instilled a clear tactical identity. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka praised Chelle, saying he “changed everything—the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good”.

With Osimhen and Lookman leading the charge, supported by a squad bursting with quality, Nigeria has everything needed to end their 12-year AFCON drought. But tournament football is unpredictable—one bad day, one defensive mistake, one missed chance can end dreams.

The Super Eagles must stay focused, execute Chelle’s game plan, and let their attacking stars shine. If they do, Nigeria could well be lifting the trophy on January 18, 2026.

Mark your calendars: Nigeria vs Tanzania kicks off December 23 at 12:00 PM in Fes. The redemption tour starts there.

What do you think? Can Osimhen and Lookman fire Nigeria to AFCON glory? Share your predictions in the comments below!

About The Author