The Super Eagles of Nigeria demonstrated a dominant performance in the group stage of the AFCON 2025 tournament, securing three victories from their three matches and ultimately topping Group C with a perfect nine points. Their journey began with a 2-1 win against Tanzania, a match that, despite a rocky start, established their intent. They then faced a tense encounter against Tunisia, emerging victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, before rounding off the group stage with a formality win against Uganda. As Nigeria prepares for the knockout rounds, an assessment of their group phase performance reveals both tactical successes and areas requiring improvement.

Several strategic decisions and player performances contributed positively to Nigeria's group stage success. A key tactical adjustment by Franco-Malian tactician Eric Chelle was fielding Frank Onyeka against Tunisia. This move, replacing Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in a midfield pivot used against Tanzania, injected high energy into the midfield. Onyeka's relentless running freed Iwobi from significant defensive duties and reduced Ndidi's ground to cover, allowing the front three of Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman to press effectively.

Another notable positive was the healthy competition at left-back between Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi. After Sanusi's challenging performance against Tanzania, where defensive lapses led to a goal and his crosses were ineffective, Onyemaechi seized his opportunity against Tunisia. The Olympiacos full-back proved solid defensively and provided an impactful pocket-pass that led to Paul Onuachu's opener against Uganda. This competition ultimately strengthened the team's left flank.

Chelle's decision to rotate the squad against Uganda, after securing knockout qualification, also paid dividends. This allowed less regular players to showcase their abilities, with Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru notably impressing. This strategy not only validated their inclusion in the AFCON 2025 squad but also provided the manager with valuable alternative options for the demanding knockout stages.

Furthermore, playing to Alex Iwobi's strengths was crucial. Having faced significant scrutiny during AFCON 2023, Iwobi has been lauded in AFCON 2025. Chelle effectively freed the former Arsenal man from extensive defensive workload, allowing him to operate deeper than his preferred attacking position, yet still enabling him to progress the ball forward with unique line-breaking passes that are vital to the team's offensive transitions.

Despite their strong results, certain aspects of Nigeria's group stage performance highlighted areas for concern. The decision to play Stanley Nwabali despite him struggling with injuries was questionable. Nigeria failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their group games, partly due to Nwabali's compromised mobility, especially against Tanzania and Tunisia. An injured goalkeeper in a knockout scenario could prove to be a costly gamble.

Zaidu Sanusi's indiscipline, particularly in decision-making in the final third and defensive lapses, was another weakness. Offensively, his crosses were often either overhit or underhit, and his timing for cutbacks or high crosses was frequently off. Defensively, he struggled to contain opposing wingers, as seen against Tanzania. These issues highlight a need for greater consistency and tactical awareness.

Eric Chelle's in-game management against Tunisia also drew criticism. While the setup was largely effective until the 70th minute, Chelle's substitutions of Frank Onyeka and Akor Adams for Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon, intended to open up the game, backfired. Tunisia promptly capitalized with two goals, nearly overturning Nigeria's three-goal lead. Such tactical missteps in the knockout rounds could have dire consequences, emphasizing the need for meticulous in-game decisions.

Assessing the individual brilliance across the group, a 'Group C Best XI' has been identified. In goal, Zuberi Foba of Tanzania was outstanding, making eight saves against Nigeria and five against Uganda, instrumental in securing his team's qualification. The defense features Ali Abdi (Tunisia), who provided an assist and scored a penalty, demonstrating strong attacking impetus and defensive discipline. Elyes Skhiri (Tunisia) also makes the cut, scoring Tunisia's first goal and being a solid presence, despite a challenging game against Nigeria. Nigeria's own Calvin Bassey was a defensive rock, coordinating the backline and linking well with midfielders, while Semi Ajayi contributed with Nigeria's first goal and strong defensive shifts.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria), the Super Eagles skipper, was a standout performer, covering vast ground and controlling the tempo, even scoring against Tunisia. Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) was the midfield conductor for his team, dictating play and pace, earning two assists. On the attacking flanks, Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) lived up to his billing, bagging a goal and two assists, showcasing high intensity. Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) was electric, impressing against Tanzania and Uganda with two assists and significant defensive contribution.

The forward line is completed by Elias Achouri (Tunisia), who scored a brace against Uganda, and the formidable Victor Osimhen (Nigeria). Osimhen, arguably the best striker in Africa, registered a goal and an assist, with his physicality and speed posing a constant threat to all defenders faced in the group stages.