What the weekend revealed about Nigeria’s biggest AFCON 2025 contradiction — Naija Stars Abroad

While goals flowed from key attackers led by main man Victor Osimhen, giving Eric Chelle plenty to think about, a high-profile discipline lapse underlined a persistent risk. 

This tension between attacking confidence and defensive discipline in the Super Eagles is the real story of the weekend for Naija Stars Abroad.

Across Europe, several Nigerians and Super Eagles stars - old and new - pushed their case for AFCON 2025 roles with strong performances:

Sevilla routed Real Oviedo 4–0 with both Adams and Ejuke finding the net. Adams, who also claimed two assists, opened the scoring early, ending a goal drought and showing composure before the break. 

His compatriot Ejuke capped the victory with a late strike that sealed the dominant victory. Both are now bound for the Super Eagles’ AFCON camp, carrying confidence from a convincing collective display.

Fulham’s Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze signed off for the continental showpiece in style for the club.

Defender Bassey got on the scoresheet this weekend for the first time this season, while Chukwueze picked up another assist, with Iwobi also impressive as they contributed to their club’s positive result as they edge toward the Premier League festive period with growing stability.

The Super Eagles’ talisman scored again for Galatasaray, adding to his prolific season tally and reinforcing his role as Nigeria’s go-to forward ahead of the tournament.

Elsewhere in Turkiye, Paul Onuachu missed the thrilling 3-3 draw between his Trabzonspor and Besiktas, who had defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on the pitch for 90 minutes

Other Nigerian stars heading to AFCON 2025 who impressed were Cyriel Dessers, new boy Salim Fago and others also contributed goals and influential moments across leagues, demonstrating the breadth of talent available.

For the rejected stones, the likes of Tolu Arokodare, who scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal, Rafiu Durosinmi and Gift Orban, who netted a brace for Hella Verona in the Serie A, were not left off the fire weekend for Nigerians.

For all the attacking firepower on show, the weekend also brought a reminder of Nigeria’s discipline vulnerability and question marks heading into AFCON 2025, particularly in midfield.

In a controversial twist, newly invited Super Eagles midfielder Usman Mohammed, one of the newest five called up by Chelle was sent off in the Israeli league, collecting two quick yellow cards before being dismissed in his side’s defeat just days before joining the AFCON camp. 

The call-up itself sparked debate given his limited impact this season, and now his recent red card adds another layer to selection discussions ahead of the tournament.

This juxtaposition, attacking positivity mixed with caution flags around discipline, is the real takeaway from the weekend.

Nigeria’s attacking depth has never looked stronger. Coaches and fans can point to several players who are hitting form at the right time, showing they can contribute to goals and creative influence when it matters. 

However, defensive shape and on-field discipline, especially in tournament football where one moment can swing a knockout tie, must be addressed lest Nigeria trade momentum for costly frustrations.

The AFCON 2025 test rewards agility and ruthlessness in attack but punishes lapses in control, exactly the contradiction this weekend revealed. 

While Nigeria’s camp gets underway and bubbles in Cairo ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, the balance between firepower and focus will likely determine how far the Super Eagles go in Morocco.