Nigeria Target Historic AFCON Goals Record As Super Eagles Face Morocco In Last Four

‎Nigeria is eyeing an Africa Cup of Nations record at the 2025 finals in Morocco, aiming to become the highest-scoring team in a single tournament.

‎They face hosts Morocco in a semi-final showdown in Rabat on Wednesday. Depending on the result, the Super Eagles will move on to either the final or the third-place play-off.

‎Their two goals in Saturday’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria in Marrakech brought their tournament total to 14, just two short of the 16 once achieved by the Ivory Coast in 2008

‎ Nigeria scored eight goals to win Group C, then added four more in a lopsided victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 in Fes.

‎The form of Victor Osimhen (4 goals) and Ademola Lookman (3) has lifted them to the last-4, while the playmaking ability of Alex Iwobi behind them has been one of the stand-out features of the tournament to date.

‎Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika have added two goals apiece, while Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Paul Onuachu have each scored once.

‎Despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, coach Eric Chelle has remained committed to instilling his philosophy in the team. His approach is now clearly taking hold, with Nigeria showing strong signs of progress at the Cup of Nations.

‎”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 win over Algeria.

‎”My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.

‎”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.

‎”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, with the best team winning.”

‎Highest Scoring Countries In AFCON History

‎Eighteen years ago, Ivory Coast scored 16 goals in six matches on their way to a fourth-place finish, with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Boubacar Sanogo, and Kader Keïta each contributing three. Before that, Zambia’s 15-goal tally at the 1996 tournament in South Africa stood as the benchmark.

‎Egypt later equalled that total in both 2008 and 2010, winning the title in Ghana and then Angola.

‎At this year’s tournament, the other semi-finalists, Senegal, have scored 11 goals, while Egypt and Morocco have each scored nine goals in their five matches played to date.

‎Most goals scored in a single Africa Cup of Nations tournament

‎16: Ivory Coast (2008)

‎15: Zambia (1996), Egypt (2008 and 2010)

‎14: Zaire (1974), Morocco (2004), Cameroon (2008 and 2021), Nigeria (2025)