AFCON 2025: Super Eagles dream final teased by 2008 tournament hero

Egypt legend, Mohamed Aboutrika has tipped his hat to the Super Eagles after Nigeria’s convincing 2-0 win over Algeria booked a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

Speaking on beIN Sports, Aboutrika was emphatic in his assessment of the contest and Nigeria’s standing in the tournament.

“The strongest team is the one that won, and Nigeria has no obvious weaknesses,” he said. “Physically, they were very present, and technically as well. They have playmakers and strikers, and they excel in physical and aerial duels.”

The two-time AFCON winner highlighted the balance across Eric Chelle’s side, singling out Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Akor Adams.

“Osimhen in attack, Iwobi and Ndidi in midfield, Akor on the right flank, plus a solid defensive line, they played almost flawlessly.” Aboutrika added.

AFCON 2025: Does a Pharaohs showdown beckon for Super Eagles?

The win sent the Super Eagles into their 16th AFCON semifinal, where hosts Morocco await on Wednesday, January 14.

A mouth-watering final between Nigeria and Egypt remains on the table, but both sides must first navigate stern tests. Nigeria will need to overcome a Moroccan team backed by home support in Rabat, while Egypt face a heavyweight clash against Senegal in Tangier.

The Pharaohs reached the semifinals after edging holders Ivory Coast 3–2 in a dramatic quarterfinal in Agadir, with Mohamed Salah again central to their progress. Victory over Senegal would set up a final steeped in history.

Nigeria and Egypt have met 10 times at AFCON, with the Super Eagles holding a narrow 4-2 (with three draws) edge, including wins in the 1980 and 2021 editions. If both clear their hurdles, AFCON 2025 could yet deliver another chapter in one of African football’s defining rivalries.