Nigeria are on the brink of making Africa Cup of Nations history as they head into the final stages of the 2025 tournament in Morocco, targeting the record for the most goals scored in a single AFCON campaign.
The Super Eagles face hosts Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final showdown in Rabat on Wednesday, with either a place in the final or the third-place play-off still to come. With 14 goals already scored, Nigeria are just two strikes away from surpassing the long-standing record of 16 goals, set by Ivory Coast in 2008.
Their latest goals came in a commanding 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakech, a result that underlined Nigeria’s attacking firepower and lifted them level with some of the most prolific teams in AFCON history.
Goals Flowing from Every Department
Nigeria laid the foundation for their record chase by scoring eight goals in Group C, finishing top of the section before adding four more in a dominant round-of-16 win over Mozambique in Fes.
Leading the charge has been Victor Osimhen, whose four goals have spearheaded the attack, while Ademola Lookman has chipped in with three. Behind them, Alex Iwobi’s creativity and composure have made him one of the tournament’s standout playmakers.
The goals have been spread throughout the squad, with Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika scoring twice each, and Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu all contributing a goal apiece—highlighting the Super Eagles’ depth and balance.
Chelle’s Vision Taking Shape
Head coach Eric Chelle has gradually imposed his philosophy on the team, and while his tenure did not deliver qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria’s performances at AFCON suggest his ideas are beginning to take root.
“I have worked a lot since taking over my role with the Nigerian national team; we put in a lot of effort during preparations,” Chelle said after the Algeria win.
“My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.”
Reflecting on the quarter-final, Chelle added:
“The victory we achieved against Algeria was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win. After this match, we have another game, and we will prepare for it.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final challenge, the Nigerian coach acknowledged the scale of the task:
“Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation. The best team will win. I am proud that we will face Morocco, and I hope it will be a good match.”
History Within Reach
The benchmark Nigeria are chasing was set 18 years ago, when Ivory Coast scored 16 goals in six matches at the 2008 finals, finishing fourth. That side featured prolific attackers such as Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Boubacar Sanogo and Kader Keïta, who all scored three goals each.
Before that, Zambia’s 15 goals at the 1996 finals in South Africa stood as the record, a tally later matched by Egypt in 2008 and 2010, tournaments the Pharaohs went on to win.
At the 2025 AFCON, Nigeria’s fellow semi-finalists Senegal have scored 11 goals, while Egypt and Morocco have both netted nine goals from five matches so far.
With at least one—and possibly two—matches still to play, Nigeria’s free-scoring Super Eagles now stand on the cusp of rewriting AFCON history.
Most Goals Scored in a Single Africa Cup of Nations Tournament
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16 – Ivory Coast (2008)
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15 – Zambia (1996), Egypt (2008, 2010)
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14 – Zaire (1974), Morocco (2004), Cameroon (2008, 2021), Nigeria (2025)
