AFCON 2025: Osimhen leads 4 Nigerians as Super Eagles dominate Bext XI for quarterfinals

The AFCON 2025 quarterfinals delivered some of the tournament’s most intense football, with fine margins separating progress from elimination.

Nigeria emerged as the standout nation in the Best XI after their dominant 2-0 win over Algeria, placing four players in a selection dominated by decisive performances at both ends of the pitch.

From commanding defensive displays to match-winning contributions in attack, the Super Eagles’ influence was unmistakable.

Alongside Nigeria’s core, individual brilliance from Egypt, Morocco and Mali completed a balanced but fiercely competitive quarterfinal Best XI.

Djigui Diarra enhanced his growing reputation despite Mali’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal. For the second consecutive knockout match, the Young Africans goalkeeper was heavily tested and consistently delivered under pressure.

Diarra made seven saves, conceding only once despite Senegal generating 2.28 expected goals on target, repeatedly denying clear chances with sharp reflexes and brave positioning.

Although he was unfortunate in the build-up to Senegal’s only goal, his overall performance kept Mali competitive until the final whistle and earned him recognition as one of the quarterfinals’ standout individuals.

Bright Osayi-Samuel produced one of the most complete defensive performances of the quarterfinals in Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria.

Operating at right-back, he shut down Algeria’s left side with a relentless sequence of tackles, recoveries and well-timed interceptions.

Osayi-Samuel’s defensive volume was unmatched among Nigeria’s back line, repeatedly halting transitions before they could develop into genuine threats. His discipline and athleticism ensured Algeria struggled to gain any momentum down his flank throughout the contest.

Rami Rabia continued Egypt’s remarkable trend of centre-backs delivering decisive goals at AFCON 2025.

Following Yasser Ibrahim’s heroics in the previous round, Rabia found the net in Egypt’s dramatic 3–2 win over Ivory Coast.

Beyond his goal, the Al Ahly defender delivered a commanding defensive display, recording 16 defensive contributions, including nine clearances and four tackles. Rabia also won seven of his nine duels, asserting dominance in both penalty areas during a physically demanding encounter.

Nayef Aguerd anchored Morocco’s defence superbly in their 2–0 victory over the Indomitble Lions of Cameroon.

Tasked with containing a powerful Cameroonian attack, Aguerd responded with 14 defensive actions, highlighted by an extraordinary 12 clearances.

His reading of danger and aerial authority ensured Morocco maintained control during sustained pressure. Aguerd crowned his performance with an assist for Ismael Saibari’s goal, underlining his ability to contribute decisively at both ends of the pitch.

Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a defining performance at left-back against Algeria, combining defensive resilience with attacking output.

His display was best summarised by Riyad Mahrez’s early substitution, having been rendered ineffective for much of the contest.

Onyemaechi created four chances, including two classified as big chances, and supplied the pinpoint cross for Victor Osimhen’s opening goal. Defensively assured and adventurous going forward, he elevated his game at a crucial moment for Nigeria.

Brahim Diaz made AFCON history after scoring in his fifth AFCON 2025 match in a row to climb to the top of the scorer’s charts.

The Real Madrid star has been the host country’s star and opened the scoring for Egypt once again with a well finished first half goal during their 2-0 win over Cameroon.

With each appearance, Diaz has strengthened his case as one of the leading contenders for the tournament’s individual honours.

Alex Iwobi once again demonstrated his growing influence within Eric Chelle’s system during Nigeria’s win over Algeria.

With more line breaking passes against Algeria in Nigeria’s 2-0 win, Iwobi orchestrated the midfield, earning comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, who watched the match in the stands.

The Fulham man has proven to be one of, if not Nigeria’s most important players, with his pre-assist for Akor Adama’ goal, where he found Victor Osimhen’s run with an outside of the boot pass caught the imagination of fans.

Another standout Egyptian in the 3-2 win over Ivory Coast, the Al Alhy midfielder is finally fulfilling his long-anticipated potential on the continental stage.

Operating as the advanced midfielder in Egypt’s trio, the Al Ahly man supplied two crucial assists that swung the match in the Pharaohs’ favour.

He also made 4 defensive contributions and 7 recoveries despite playing as the 10 in Egypt’s midfield three.

Gunning for his first AFCON title, Salah is once again defying age, just as he did when he led Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League trophy.

Salah scored the eventual winning goal and also provided an assist for Egypt in their 3-2 win over the defending champions.

He now has four goals in the tournament, with three of them coming in additional time, although not this one.

Osimhen silenced his doubters with a man-of-the-match display for Nigeria against Algeria, scoring one and assisting another as the Super Eagles triumphed 2-0.

Osimhen opened the scoring with a trademark header from an expertly delivered Bruno Onyemaechi cross, becoming the first player at the 2025 AFCON to beat Luca Zidane.

The Galatasaray striker then assisted Akor Adams, unselfishly putting the chance on the plate for his strike partner for Nigeria’s second goal.

When Egypt have needed inspiration during AFCON 2025, they have not only looked to Salah, they have also looked to Maarmoush.

The Manchester City forward was clinical, scoring with his only shot of the game, rifling an effort past Yahaya Fofana to open the scoring for Egypt gainst Ivory Coast.

Marmoush’s efficiency and composure have complemented Salah’s influence throughout the tournament. Together, they have provided Egypt with a potent attacking duo capable of deciding matches with minimal opportunities.