Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has singled out four Super Eagles players for praise after the national team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles are widely regarded as favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco, having impressed particularly in attack.

They have scored twelve goals so far, the highest tally of any team in the tournament, a stark contrast to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles were known for their defensive approach under Jose Peseiro. 

The 12 goals have been spread among seven different players, with former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman accounting for half of them.

Raphael Onyedika has contributed two goals, while Wilfred Ndidi, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Semi Ajayi have each scored once.

With his brace against Mozambique, Osimhen is now just three goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s 28-year-old record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.

Speaking about the Nigerian players who have caught his eye in Morocco, Mikel hailed Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for their outstanding performances.

"I like to see Victor Osimhen win the highest goalscorer because he deserves it. Ademola Lookman as well playing really well. Both of them absolutely on fire," Mikel said on The Obi One podcast. 

"Alex Iwobi in this tournament has been absolutely fantastic. I have been waiting for this from Alex Iwobi for a long time. Finally we can see the Alex Iwobi that we all know, playing well, everything going through him, creating chances, those passes.

"Of course Ndidi, the captain as well, the mainstay of the team who keeps the balance. Everything is working perfectly for the team but we have to go on now and win the tournament."

Mikel has urged the Super Eagles to approach their quarterfinal against Algeria with focus and determination, and stressed the importance of eliminating distractions ahead of the crucial encounter.

"We have to win the next game, we have to make sure we approach the game the right way because it's going to be a very difficult game against Algeria.

"I have watched them play a couple of times. They are a very good team, play as a team. They are very aggressive, they've got good and quality players, so we have to be on our A-game.

"There shouldn't be any hindrance, distraction, or negativity. So we have to make sure we sort out any negativity that's going to happen.

"Are the players being paid their bonuses? Whatever they have been promised needs to be sorted out before this game. I believe we can go all the way and win it."