One Week After AFCON: Lessons from the Super Eagles’ Bronze Campaign

One week after the Super Eagles returned from Morocco with another bronze medal, impressing fans and foes alike, a quiet review is underway in official circles.

With a record number of goals scored and a defence that remained unbreached for four knockout games following the group phase, the Super Eagles proved they were no longer the confused side that had stumbled from one match to another during FIFA World Cup qualifying. But what lessons can be drawn from their AFCON campaign?

One major question coming off the World Cup qualifiers was Nigeria’s heavy reliance on Victor Osimhen. Could the team function effectively without him while also providing a strong partnership to maximize goals? Despite a seeming abundance of attacking talent, the Super Eagles had previously struggled to create and finish opportunities. At the last AFCON, former coach Jose Peseiro adopted a defence-first approach, which carried Nigeria to the final, only for them to collapse against hosts Ivory Coast.

Eric Sekou Chelle’s appointment changed the narrative. After experimenting with multiple strike partners for Osimhen, Chelle seemed to find a solution with Tolu Arokodare during the Unity Cup, though it was short-lived. It wasn’t until Akor Adams joined the frontline that things truly clicked. Fortune also played a role. Ademola Lookman, whose form had dipped following a transfer dispute with Atalanta, returned to peak performance. The trio of Osimhen, Adams, and Lookman combined for nine of Nigeria’s 14 goals, with Lookman contributing a tournament-leading four assists.

Beyond statistics, their constant movement and rotation left opponents scrambling. Their coordinated frontline was central to Nigeria’s tournament and team-record 14 goals—the highest ever for a Super Eagles squad. Lookman operating at the tip of the diamond, combined with Osimhen and Adams rotating efficiently, maximized both technical ability and aerial strength. Adams’ finishing remains a minor weakness, but one easily addressed, while substitute Paul Onuachu also impressed in Osimhen’s absence.

Defence Finds Its Leader

Nigeria had to settle for third place at AFCON, but the defence held firm. With William Troost-Ekong retired and Benjamin Fredrick injured days before the final squad announcement, the backline faced uncertainty. Calvin Bassey stepped up, proving not only a capable replacement but a commanding leader. Semi Ajayi also shone, demonstrating Championship-level talent worthy of top-tier European leagues.

Bright Osayi-Samuel dispelled doubts about his ability to cover for absent teammates, and Bruno Onyemaechi capitalized on his chance when Zaidu Sanusi underperformed. With Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu providing depth, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali answering questions about temperament, Nigeria’s defence appears solid for the next year or two.

Youngsters like Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro showed promise, though the latter did not feature in the tournament. Nnadi impressed in limited minutes, demonstrating composure and ball control, and should be monitored for long-term development.

Some selections, like veteran Usman Mohammed, raised eyebrows given his lack of previous international caps, highlighting an area where Chelle now has the advantage of time to refine personnel choices ahead of the next Nations Cup.

Tactical Consistency and Flexibility

Chelle demonstrated unwavering commitment to the 4-4-2 diamond formation, deviating only twice during the tournament—against Uganda and in the semifinal versus Morocco. With key squad members like Samuel Chukwueze and Simon, having tactical variations remains important both to challenge opponents and maintain squad morale.

Respect Restored

In recent years, the Super Eagles’ inconsistent results had eroded respect for one of Africa’s football giants. Teams were no longer intimidated by facing Nigeria, and World Cup qualifiers had confirmed this decline. AFCON 2026, however, changed perceptions. The Eagles demonstrated defensive solidity, attacking quality, and the ability to dominate both weaker and stronger opposition.

The challenge now is retaining that respect. Chelle has indicated a desire to expand his rotation, and it will be up to the Nigeria Football Federation to secure his position, extend his contract, and provide the freedom to continue building on this foundation. Respect, after all, is earned on the pitch.