Just days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, Footballrover tracked the performances of Super Eagles players who made the final squad, those who missed out, and standout Super Falcons stars across various clubs.

It was an exciting weekend, with Nigerian players abroad delivering goals and assists in impressive fashion, Footballrover reports.

AFCON 2025 Build-Up: Super Eagles Stars Hit Peak Form

Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are peaking at the right time ahead of AFCON 2025, with Alex Iwobi also part of Fulham’s backbone.

Bassey stole the headlines in Fulham’s 3–2 win over Burnley, scoring his first goal of the season and dominating defensively with a match-high 11 duels won.

His impact eased Fulham’s relegation fears and underlined his value to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Chukwueze, continues to build momentum, registering six goal contributions in eight appearances this season.

Alongside Iwobi’s steady influence at Fulham, the trio head into AFCON with confidence.

Osimhen Looks Sharp Again Ahead of AFCON 2025

Victor Osimhen continued his impressive form ahead of AFCON 2025, scoring again as Galatasaray claimed a dominant 4–1 away win over Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

The former Napoli striker struck in the 56th minute, showcasing his sharp movement and composure with a low finish into the corner.

Osimhen has now scored in back-to-back league games, taking his tally to six league goals and 12 in 16 appearances across all competitions this season.

Despite limited touches, his efficiency stood out, proving once again his importance to both Galatasaray and Nigeria heading into the tournament.

Historic Premier League Moment for Arokodare

Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare finally broke his Premier League goal drought as Wolverhampton Wanderers lost 2-1 to Arsenal.

Introduced in the 69th minute, the 25-year-old striker made an immediate impact, meeting Matheus Mané’s lofted pass with a close-range finish to level the score.

The goal marked a historic milestone, making Arokodare the first Nigerian to score a Premier League goal for Wolves.

It was his first league strike after 11 barren matches, building on earlier Carabao Cup goals.

Despite his equaliser, a late Yerson Mosquera own goal condemned Wolves. Arokodare’s breakthrough highlights his scoring pedigree from Genk and offers hope.

Akor and Ejuke Boost AFCON 2025 Credentials in Sevilla Rout

Akor Adams delivered a statement performance as Sevilla crushed Real Oviedo 4–0, boosting his AFCON 2025 credentials.

The Super Eagles striker ended his goal drought with an early opener and added two assists, showcasing pace, strength and improved link-up play to record his most complete outing in weeks.

His display shows his growing confidence despite ongoing offside issues. Fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke also made an impact from the bench, scoring late to seal the rout.

In just 13 minutes, Ejuke topped the dribble chart and won seven duels, rounding off an encouraging day for Nigeria’s AFCON hopefuls.

Orban Shines in Serie A Survival Battle

Gift Orban earned the man of the match award as Hellas Verona secured a crucial 2-1 Serie A victory away to Fiorentina.

Introduced from the bench in the 35th minute, the 23-year-old forward made an immediate impact, scoring just seven minutes later to end his six-game goal drought.

After Verona were pegged back by an own goal, Orban delivered again in dramatic fashion, netting a stoppage-time winner to seal all three points.

The brace took his season tally to four goals as he continues to prove his importance while Verona keep their hope of pushing away from the relegation zone alive.

Durosinmi Finishes Strong Despite AFCON Snub

Rafiu Durosinmi wrapped up his 2025 campaign in style, scoring as Viktoria Plzen beat Dukla Praha 2–0 in the Czech First League.

The Nigerian striker led Plzen’s dominant display, breaking the deadlock before halftime with a composed finish after beating three defenders.

Durosinmi was a constant threat, registering five attempts and hitting the post after the break.

The 22-year-old ends the season with seven league goals in 18 games and 13 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.

Despite missing out on a Super Eagles call-up for AFCON 2025, the forward is keen on helping Plzen climb the table even as they head confidently into winter break.

Dessers Returns at the Perfect Time

Cyriel Dessers returned to form just days before AFCON 2025, scoring as Panathinaikos beat NFC Volos 2-1 in the Greek Super League.

The 31-year-old struck inside five minutes, then won the penalty converted by Anastasios Bakasetas, sealing a vital victory after two draws.

It was Dessers’ second league goal this season and third in nine appearances, following a two-month injury layoff.

Having missed recent World Cup qualifiers, he played 70 minutes and looks sharp again.

His timely resurgence strengthens Nigeria’s options after earning selection in Eric Chelle’s final AFCON squad ahead of the tournament, where competition will be intense nationwide.

Mixed Fortunes for Lookman, Dele-Bashiru and Iheanacho

Ademola Lookman completed the full 90 minutes as Atalanta secured a 2–1 victory over Cagliari in Serie A.

The Super Eagles winger was making his 12th appearance of the season and has scored twice so far. Gianluca Scamacca gave Atalanta the lead in the 11th minute before Gaetano equalised for Cagliari in the 75th.

Lookman went close two minutes later, but his low effort was kept out by goalkeeper Elia Caprile. Scamacca eventually grabbed the winner in the 81st minute to hand Atalanta maximum points.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru featured as Lazio, reduced to nine men, claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Parma in Serie A.

The Nigerian midfielder came on with 20 minutes remaining. Tijani Noslin proved decisive, scoring in the 82nd minute to secure the victory.

Kelechi Iheanacho endured another injury setback as his return to the starting lineup ended prematurely in Celtic’s 3–1 Scottish League Cup final defeat to St Mirren at Hampden Park.

Making his first start since October 23, the Nigeria forward was forced off before halftime after suffering a hamstring relapse, having only recently returned from a month-long layoff.

Iheanacho had been Celtic’s brightest attacking threat, testing goalkeeper Shamal George with a close-range effort before his withdrawal.

His injury compounded Celtic’s disappointment on the night and explains his omission from Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign plans.

Super Falcons Star Oshoala Steals the Show

Asisat Oshoala delivered another masterclass, firing a superb hat-trick as Al Hilal crushed Eastern Flames 5–0 in the Saudi Women’s Challenge Cup.

The Super Falcons star opened the scoring before exploding after the break, adding two more goals to completely dominate the contest.

Her movement, finishing and leadership set the tempo as Al Hilal ran away with the game, with Jessica Silva adding the fifth.

Oshoala now has nine goals in all competitions, including six in the league, plus two assists.

Her treble sent Al Hilal into the semi-finals stage of the Winter Challenge Cup.

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Last Updated on December 15, 2025 7:32 am by footballrover