“Nigeria Were the Most Impressive Team” — Yaya Touré Hails Super Eagles at AFCON 2025

🦅 Super Eagles earn legendary praise 🦅 AFCON may be over, but the applause continues.

Ivorian football legend Yaya Touré has crowned the Super Eagles of Nigeria as the most impressive team at the just-concluded AFCON 2025, despite the team not winning the tournament.

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations wrapped up on Sunday, with Senegal lifting the trophy after a narrow 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

Nigeria’s journey ended in the semi-finals, where the Super Eagles lost 4–2 on penalties to Morocco. However, they went on to secure third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties.

Reacting to the tournament in an interview with Bleacher Report Football on Monday, Touré—who won the African Footballer of the Year award four consecutive times—surprisingly looked beyond champions Senegal and finalists Morocco to single out Nigeria as the standout team of the competition.

“I was impressed with Nigeria; they play good football,” Touré said. “When you look at the stats, they were scoring more goals than usual. Full strike, full attack, playing very good football.”

While also praising Algeria and Morocco for their tactical discipline, the former Barcelona and Manchester City star maintained that Nigeria’s attacking style set them apart.

“The most impressive for me was Nigeria,” he added. “The football they were playing, the goals they were scoring, the quality of players they have. I think they have two of Africa’s best players in that team.”

Though the Super Eagles fell short of the final, Touré’s endorsement has reinforced the belief that Nigeria’s performance at AFCON 2025 was one of flair, firepower, and promise.

Sometimes, it’s not just about lifting the trophy — it’s about leaving a lasting impression.