Osimhen, Osayi-Samuel & Onyemaechi Named in AFCON Quarter-Final Best XI

Three Super Eagles stars — Victor Osimhen, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi have been included in the Best XI of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals, following Nigeria’s impressive 2–0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech. The selections were based on ratings from performance data site Sofascore, which highlighted their dominant displays in the last eight of the tournament.

Victor Osimhen earned his place after a commanding performance that saw him score one goal and provide the assist for the second, earning Man of the Match honours in the win that booked Nigeria’s semi-final spot against Morocco. Bright Osayi-Samuel impressed at right back with defensive solidity and attacking support, while Bruno Onyemaechi was key on the left, supplying the assist for Osimhen’s opener and contributing to Nigeria’s clean sheet.

Editorial

In the crucible of continental competition, the names that rise to prominence are those who meld individual excellence with collective purpose, and in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final, few embodied that fusion more vividly than Victor Osimhen, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi. Their inclusion in the Best XI of the round is more than a statistical footnote it is a testament to performance under pressure and a reflection of Nigeria’s emerging identity in this tournament.

Osimhen’s display against Algeria was a masterclass of forward play — he did not merely score he shaped the game. His goal came with the inevitability of a predator at its peak, and his assist showcased a striker thinking beyond himself, orchestrating play at moments when instincts and intelligence must coalesce. Under his charge, Nigeria’s attacking intent translated into tangible progress not merely advancement into the semi-final, but assertion of dominance at a stage where margins are infinitesimal.

Yet football is rarely won by one individual. Osayi-Samuel’s tireless work down the right flank combined defensive discipline with attacking threat, offering balance to his side’s tactical structure. His efforts ensured that width became a weapon rather than a vulnerability a nuanced task in a game where transitional moments define outcomes. Similarly, Onyemaechi’s contribution was twofold he was diligent in nullifying danger and, importantly, he created opportunity. His cross for Osimhen’s opener was precise and unselfish the mark of a player operating with clarity of thought and tactical purpose.

Their selection in the Best XI is, therefore, a snapshot of a broader truth that Nigeria’s path through AFCON has been paved by those willing to rise to the occasion, to seize defining moments with poise. As the Super Eagles prepare for the next chapter against hosts Morocco, the impetus provided by such performances will be indispensable not just in strategy, but in belief. In tournaments of this stature, belief often becomes the quiet companion of achievement.

Did You Know?

1. Osimhen’s Golden Boot Charge His goal and assist in the quarter-final moved him to four goals in the tournament, one of the highest tallies so far.
2. Clean Sheet Contribution Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria marked their second clean sheet in AFCON 2025, highlighting defensive solidity from full-backs like Osayi-Samuel and Onyemaechi.
3. Osayi-Samuel’s Energy His performance included over 70 % duels won and significant involvement in both defence and attack against Algeria.
4. Onyemaechi’s Impact His assist for Osimhen’s goal was described as impeccable by analysts due to its precision and timing in a critical match.
5. Team Influence Beyond Goals While not in the Best XI, Alex Iwobi’s buildup play and control of tempo were noted as influential in the victory, underscoring Nigeria’s collective performance.