Ivorian football legend Yaya Touré has praised Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the standout team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite their semifinal exit. The former Manchester City midfielder highlighted the squad’s attacking style, which produced a tournament-high 14 goals while conceding only four.
Touré noted that Nigeria proved to be the continent’s most feared offensive side in Morocco, maintaining a strong defensive record through the knockout stages before falling to the hosts in a narrow penalty shootout.
Speaking to Bleacher Report Football, Touré also acknowledged the strengths of other top teams. He commended Algeria’s quality, which Nigeria overcame in the quarterfinals, and praised Morocco’s pragmatic, counter-attacking approach under Walid Regragui. However, he argued that Nigeria’s attacking firepower, led by the continent’s two top players, set them apart from the rest.
Although Nigeria missed the final, they ended the tournament on a high note by winning the bronze medal against Egypt. After a goalless draw in regulation time, the Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties, marking their 17th podium finish in AFCON history.
Touré shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s performance:
“I’ve been watching the AFCON, and I’ve been impressed with Algeria and Morocco. But Nigeria really stood out. They played exciting football, scoring goals and showing great attacking strength. Their squad had the two best African players, and it showed in the way they played. Even though they were knocked out by Morocco in the semifinals, they made a strong impression on everyone.”
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His comments underscore Nigeria’s evolution into one of Africa’s most dynamic and entertaining teams, earning respect from fans and experts alike.
