AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle's Super Eagles emerge most dangerous team ahead Round of 16

Nigeria have established themselves as the tournament's most formidable attacking force, with statistics confirming what opponents already fear, Eric Chelle's Super Eagles possess the firepower to dismantle any defence in Morocco.

According to CAF's official group stage report, Nigeria topped the scoring charts with eight goals, outpacing every other nation. 

More impressively, those strikes came from just 21 shots with 10 on target, revealing clinical efficiency that transforms possession into punishment with ruthless regularity.

The Super Eagles didn't just outscore rivals, they outplayed them comprehensively. 

Nigeria recorded the highest average possession rate at 66%, reflecting territorial dominance and match control. This combination of possession supremacy and conversion efficiency marks them as a side that has found the lethal edge missing in previous tournaments.

The transformation is remarkable given the inconsistency plaguing their qualifying campaign. Under Chelle's guidance, Nigeria have evolved from a talented but erratic outfit into a ruthless attacking machine. 

Individual brilliance complements collective dominance, with Nigerian players like Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and others featuring prominently across multiple statistical categories, goals, assists, key passes, and successful dribbles.

The contrast with tournament strugglers is stark. Botswana recorded the weakest defensive figures, conceding seven goals while managing just one scored and averaging 38% possession, exactly the kind of opposition Nigeria should sweep aside.

Yet statistics guarantee nothing in knockout football. Nigeria haven't lifted the trophy since 2013, despite possessing talent that should have delivered multiple titles. Previous tournaments saw dominant group stages collapse when pressure intensified.

The question haunting 200 million Nigerians is whether these numbers represent genuine transformation or another false dawn. Can Chelle's side maintain this efficiency against opponents who'll defend desperately and exploit transitions?

As the Round of 16 approaches, Nigeria stand as the team nobody wants to face. The numbers confirm what the eye test suggested: when the Super Eagles click, they're capable of destroying any African defence. 

But whether that firepower translates into continental glory remains the ultimate test.