‘Nigeria has no obvious weaknesses’ — Egyptian legend hails Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025 semifinals

Nigeria’s Super Eagles continue to draw widespread admiration at AFCON 2025 after booking their place in the semifinals with a commanding victory over Algeria.

Egyptian football icon Mohamed Aboutrika has now joined the growing list of admirers, delivering glowing praise for the team’s balance, strength, and overall quality.

Reacting to Nigeria’s emphatic 2–0 quarterfinal win over Algeria, two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Mohamed Aboutrika described the Super Eagles as the superior side in every department.

After a tight first half ended goalless, Nigeria stepped up in the second period, with Victor Osimhen opening the scoring before Akor Adams sealed the win to send the Super Eagles into the last four.

Speaking on Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports, Aboutrika was unequivocal in his assessment of the performance. “The strongest team is the one that won, and Nigeria has no obvious weaknesses,” he said.

The former Al Ahly star highlighted Nigeria’s physical dominance and technical quality, saying, “Physically, they were very present, and technically as well. They have playmakers and strikers, and they excel in physical and aerial duels,” Aboutrika added.

Aboutrika also singled out several Super Eagles players for special praise, pointing to a well-rounded team performance rather than individual brilliance alone.

“Osimhen in attack, Iwobi and Ndidi in midfield, Akor on the right flank, plus a solid defensive line, they played almost flawlessly,” he said, underlining the balance that has defined Nigeria’s AFCON campaign so far.

According to the Egyptian legend, the victory was fully deserved. “It’s a deserved victory, as Nigeria was the better and stronger side in the match,” Aboutrika concluded.

Nigeria will now turn their focus to a blockbuster semifinal showdown against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, as they make their 16th appearance at this stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, carrying momentum, belief, and growing continental respect into the clash.