Nigeria are on the verge of history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, aiming to become the highest-scoring team in a single edition of the tournament.

The Super Eagles face hosts Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the final and the loser playing in the third-place match.

Their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakech lifted Nigeria’s tournament tally to 14 goals—just two shy of the 16-goal record set by Ivory Coast in 2008.

Nigeria’s attacking prowess has been evident throughout the competition. They scored eight goals while topping Group C and added four more in a dominant round-of-16 win over Mozambique in Fes.

Striker Victor Osimhen has been in scintillating form with four goals, while Ademola Lookman has contributed three. Playmaker Alex Iwobi has also been pivotal, orchestrating Nigeria’s attacks and providing creativity from midfield. Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika have chipped in with two goals each, while Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Paul Onuachu have scored once apiece.

Coach Eric Chelle has steadily implemented his philosophy, which, while falling short of World Cup qualification, has clearly taken hold at the Cup of Nations.

“I have worked a lot since taking over my role with the Nigerian national team; we put in a lot of effort during preparations,” Chelle said after the Algeria win. “My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.

“The victory against Algeria was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win. After this match, we have another game, and we will prepare for it. Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation. The best team will win. I am proud that we will face Morocco, and I hope it will be a good match, with the best team winning.”

Historically, Ivory Coast set the benchmark in 2008, scoring 16 goals in six matches on their way to a fourth-place finish, with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Boubacar Sanogo, and Kader Keïta all netting three each. Before that, Zambia held the record with 15 goals at the 1996 finals in South Africa, a mark later matched by Egypt in 2008 and 2010 when the Pharaohs lifted the trophy.

At this year’s tournament, Senegal—the other semi-finalist—have scored 11 goals, while Egypt and Morocco each have nine goals from five matches played.

Top Goalscoring Teams in a Single Africa Cup of Nations Tournament

• 16 – Ivory Coast (2008)
• 15 – Zambia (1996), Egypt (2008, 2010)
• 14 – Zaire (1974), Morocco (2004), Cameroon (2008, 2021), Nigeria (2025)

Nigeria now have the chance to etch their name in the record books as they aim to surpass the Ivory Coast’s long-standing tally.