With barely two weeks and three days to the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria’s key gamers are hitting their stride at precisely the appropriate second.
For a soccer nation nonetheless reeling from a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying collapse, the AFCON presents extra than simply redemption; it provides a path again to continental dominance.
The final three triumphs, in 1980, 1994, and 2013, got here on the again of sturdy particular person kind.
Immediately, as soon as once more, a number of Tremendous Eagles are rising to the second, sharpening their rhythm as Morocco attracts nearer.
Beneath is a breakdown of Nigeria’s in-form weapons and why their surge issues.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (Fulham) — A late surge, a loud assertion
Two weeks in the past, Samuel Chukwueze was a bench possibility. Immediately, he’s Fulham’s marquee risk, justifying the membership’s loan-to-buy deal value €25m from AC Milan.
His explosion has been emphatic: 4 targets in his final three matches, two assists in essential video games vs Tottenham and Southampton, two beautiful targets in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on Tuesday. EPL Participant of the Match after the two–1 win at Spurs
Earlier than 22 November, he had performed solely 108 minutes all season. However a single help sparked his revival, profitable Silva’s belief and securing his first begin, and now, he’s indispensable.
With Crystal Palace and Burnley nonetheless forward, Chukwueze may hit camp in deadly kind.
For a participant usually criticised for inconsistency throughout his six years with the Tremendous Eagles, Morocco 2025 is a chance to silence doubts and at last ship on his monumental promise.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (Atalanta) — Africa’s greatest rediscovers his spark
After a barren spell for the Tremendous Eagles in 2025, going 10 straight matches with out scoring, the 2024 African Participant of the 12 months is discovering his rhythm once more.
Lookman is lastly unlocking himself: Scored in Atalanta’s 2–0 win over Fiorentina, Scored and assisted within the 3–0 UCL win at Frankfurt, First back-to-back scoring run since Might
His season had been disrupted by his summer time switch standoff, however as confidence returns, so does his menace.
Lookman has as much as three large fixtures earlier than reporting to camp subsequent Wednesday: Verona, Chelsea, and Cagliari. A robust run places Nigeria’s most explosive attacker in peak situation for AFCON hostilities.
MADUKA OKOYE (Udinese) — Redemption arc reaching its climax
Few trendy Tremendous Eagles have endured the scrutiny Okoye has, from the notorious error in opposition to Tunisia on the 2021 AFCON to being sidelined for almost two years. Now, he’s knocking loudly on the No. 1 door once more.
His membership kind is notable, with 7 Serie A matches since getting back from suspension, together with 18 saves and a 62.1% save fee, highlighted by a Penalty save in opposition to Bologna.
His rival, Stanley Nwabali, stays sturdy on penalties however hasn’t featured for Chippa United of their final two matches, elevating questions over readiness.
Okoye’s renaissance, mixed with Nwabali’s uncertainty, means the battle for the gloves in Egypt subsequent week will likely be fierce.
SEMI AJAYI (Hull Metropolis) — Dependable, Skilled, and rising once more
Nigeria’s most constant defender at AFCON 2023, Ajayi, is kicking into rhythm on the excellent time. At 32, after battling early-season accidents, Ajayi is again:
Scored his first aim of the season final weekend vs Stoke, named Man of the Match, Hull Metropolis need him obtainable till December 14 earlier than releasing him
With Benjamin Fredrick injured, Ajayi turns into essential. His management, aerial energy, and match expertise may anchor Nigeria’s line of defense in Morocco.
ALEX IWOBI (Fulham) — The silent engine, regular and important
Whereas others seize headlines, Alex Iwobi continues to offer the rhythm, maturity, and flexibility that make him indispensable for each membership and nation.
At Fulham, Iwobi has delivered constant high-volume shifts beneath Marco Silva, improved his ball development and final-third contribution, functioned because the workforce’s link-man in transitions, and likewise scored in opposition to Manchester Metropolis final trip.
His creativity and tactical intelligence stay important for the Tremendous Eagles, particularly in a squad brimming with forwards who thrive on service.
With Chukwueze roaring again and Lookman gaining sharpness, Iwobi’s position because the stabiliser and chance-creator turns into much more essential heading into Morocco.
Remaining Phrase
Nigeria’s kind curve is rising on the proper second.
Chukwueze is exploding. Lookman is resurfacing. Okoye is reclaiming glory. Ajayi is reinforcing the backline. Iwobi stays the midfield glue.
If these trajectories maintain, the Tremendous Eagles will land in Morocco not simply motivated, however armed and harmful, able to chase a long-awaited fourth AFCON crown.
