Group-stage statistics from the 2025 AFCON show Nigeria’s Super Eagles setting the attacking benchmark through superior firepower, possession and efficiency in Morocco.
The group stage of the 2025 AFCON delivered a clear message: attacking ambition, ball control and efficiency defined progress in Morocco.
The 36 group-stage matches produced 87 goals at an average of 2.42 per game, highlighting a tournament contested with purpose and urgency from start to finish.
At the top of the scoring charts, Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Díaz and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez finished level with three goals apiece after the group phase.
El Kaabi’s ruthless finishing drove Morocco’s smooth qualification, Díaz blended creativity with accuracy, while Mahrez’s calm leadership inspired Algeria’s flawless group campaign.
Beyond individual brilliance, Nigeria emerged as the competition’s most dangerous attacking side during the group stage.
The Super Eagles scored eight goals, the tournament’s highest, from 21 shots, with 10 on target, underlining a balance between volume, precision and ruthless execution.
With an average possession of 66 per cent the highest at the group stage Nigeria consistently controlled territory and applied pressure.
That dominance translated into a measured tempo, intelligent ball circulation and clinical finishing when gaps appeared.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said the data mirrored his side’s tactical identity and progress.
“We wanted to impose ourselves, keep the ball and attack with purpose, and the numbers show the players embraced that identity,” Chelle said.
He stressed that dominance must now translate into knockout success.
“The challenge is maintaining intensity and discipline because one moment can decide everything at this stage,” the coach added.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi said the Super Eagles’ figures were built on collective efforts and tactical clarity.
“Possession and goals come from teamwork. Everyone understands their role, and that unity has driven our attacking numbers,” Ndidi said.
Ndidi warned that statistics alone would not win titles.
“The knockout games demand focus, maturity and hunger. We know the job is far from finished,” the Super Eagles captain said.
The Super Eagles’ attacking output contrasted sharply with Botswana’s struggles, as they conceded seven goals, scored once and averaged just 38 per cent possession.
Defensively, such figures highlighted the unforgiving nature of the tournament, where lapses in structure and control were swiftly punished.
The group stage also carried its physical edge, with 126 yellow cards and six red cards issued across matches.
The spread of red cards across several teams underlined tight margins, late-match tension and the pressure of qualification battles.
Yet, teams that progressed consistently combined physical resilience with discipline and intelligent game management.
Assists statistics further emphasized the importance of coordinated movement and collective attacking patterns rather than reliance on individual moments alone.
Penalty decisions also played a key role in shaping results, with Tunisia awarded two spot-kicks and 10 other nations receiving one apiece during the group stage. These moments often proved decisive in tight encounters, highlighting the importance of composure and clinical execution under pressure.
Possession trends further revealed tactical patterns: Morocco and South Africa averaged 62 per cent, while Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire followed closely at 60 per cent. The data suggests a shift, with teams increasingly using ball control to complement AFCON’s traditional counter-attacking style.
As the knockout stage looms, the numbers point to a clear storyline: attacking teams are thriving, goals are flowing, and efficiency is proving decisive. With Nigeria setting the attacking benchmark and top finishers leading the scoring charts, the stage is set for high-stakes battles and fine margins.
While the group phase has ended, the statistics signal an even more compelling contest ahead as AFCON 2025 enters its decisive chapter.