The Flight Continues: Nigeria’s AFCON Heroes Sparkle On Return To Club Duties

Although the dust from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has barely settled, Nigerian players have swapped the green-white-green jersey for their club colours, with several of the Super Eagles already making an immediate impact for their teams across Europe. While some are just returning to base, others have continued the impressive form that helped Nigeria secure a third-place finish at the tournament in Morocco.

From Italy to Turkey, and from the Champions League to the Spanish La Liga, Nigeria’s AFCON stars have returned to the spotlight in some of the world’s most fiercely contested competitions. One of the standout performers has been Sevilla forward Akor Adams, who embodied the relentless Nigerian spirit on his return to club action. The 25-year-old, who impressed for the Super Eagles in Morocco, scored a brace just three days after helping Nigeria win the bronze medal. Coming on at half-time with Sevilla trailing Elche 2-0, Akor struck twice to force a 2-2 draw, a performance that echoed the two goals he scored for Nigeria at the AFCON.

Ademola Lookman also wasted no time announcing his return to club football. Fresh from being named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament after scoring three goals and providing four assists, the Atalanta winger turned provider in the Champions League, setting up Nikola Krstović in his side’s thrilling 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. His display further underlined the creativity and consistency that made him one of Nigeria’s standout players at the competition.

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s talismanic striker, returned to the Champions League stage as well, featuring prominently in his side’s clash against Atletico Madrid at the RAMS Park. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Osimhen’s pressing, movement, and aerial dominance were evident throughout the match. The forward, who scored four goals at the AFCON, completed the full 90 minutes and now turns his focus to domestic football ahead of a decisive final Champions League fixture against Manchester City.

Rounding off an excellent week for Nigerian football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named Osimhen, Lookman, and defender Calvin Bassey in the Best XI of the 2025 AFCON. Bassey was rewarded for his composure and defensive solidity, helping Nigeria keep clean sheets throughout the knockout stages, while Osimhen’s four goals and Lookman’s seven goal contributions earned them deserved recognition. With their strong return to club duties and continental honours still fresh, Nigeria’s AFCON heroes continue to soar, showing that their impact on the global stage is far from finished.