Nigerian Super Eagles stars have ensured they are arriving at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with significant momentum, confidence, and strong form, having delivered statement performances in their final club outings before joining national duty. Key players such as Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi prominently left their mark across European leagues, signalling to Africa that Nigeria is not merely a contender in name but a team peaking precisely at the right time for the upcoming tournament.

In Turkey, Victor Osimhen once again underscored his status as Nigeria's most formidable football export. The prolific striker was on target as Galatasaray achieved a commanding 4-1 victory over Antalyaspor, a result that solidified their position as Super Lig leaders and sent a clear message to their AFCON rivals. Galatasaray quickly took control of the match, with Leroy Sané opening the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by Roland Sallai doubling the lead just four minutes later. With the match already heavily favouring the hosts, Osimhen seized his moment in the 56th minute. Receiving an exquisite pass from Yunus Akgün on the left flank, Osimhen drove into the penalty area and unleashed a thunderous strike from an almost impossible angle, blasting the ball into the net for Galatasaray's third goal. Although Antalyaspor managed a late consolation, Mauro Icardi came off the bench to secure the win with a fourth goal. This victory propelled Galatasaray's points tally to 39, maintaining their firm hold at the top of the league, and keeping Osimhen in prime rhythm ahead of AFCON.

Meanwhile, in England, Nigeria's influence was equally decisive. Fulham inflicted a seventh consecutive Premier League defeat on Burnley, securing an entertaining 3-2 away victory where Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi all played pivotal roles. Harry Wilson orchestrated an early goal, setting up Emile Smith Rowe from a low corner. Burnley briefly threatened a comeback through Lesley Ugochukwu, but Fulham regained control. Nigeria was central to Fulham's resurgence; Wilson's excellent control and delivery found Calvin Bassey completely unmarked, and the defender capitalized, heading home uncontested to restore Fulham's lead. Wilson then sealed his performance by making it 3-1, converting a classy finish into the far corner after being picked out by Samuel Chukwueze, whose pace and movement consistently troubled Burnley's defence. Oliver Sonne scored a late consolation for the hosts, but it was insufficient to change the outcome. Both Bassey and Chukwueze completed the full 90 minutes, while Alex Iwobi was substituted in the 79th minute for Saša Lukić following another industrious display in midfield.

Further afield, other Nigerian stars also celebrated club success. Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi were on the winning side as Atalanta triumphed over Cagliari 2-1 in the Italian Serie A. Additionally, Hull City secured an an impressive 3-1 away victory over Millwall in the Championship, contributing to the overall positive sentiment surrounding Nigerian players.

With club duties now concluded, the Super Eagles contingent will shift their complete focus to national responsibilities. The players are scheduled to report to Nigeria's AFCON training camp in Cairo on Monday, December 15. A high-profile friendly match against hosts Egypt is set for Tuesday, after which the team will travel to Fès, Morocco, the designated venue for all of Nigeria's Group C matches. Drawn alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, the three-time African champions are slated to commence their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania. Armed with confidence, excellent form, and a squad full of players hitting their stride, these final club performances strongly suggest that Nigeria is heading to Morocco not just to participate, but with a clear purpose to contend for the title.