As Nigeria prepares for the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, new data shows the Super Eagles were among the busiest national teams in world football this year.
Nigeria’s heavy workload was driven by a congested African calendar, with the team competing in both the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The squad featured in six international windows — far more than many European nations tied to the shorter UEFA Nations League schedule.
Key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon logged significant minutes for both club and country, turning 2025 into a demanding test of endurance.
Only a few South American sides involved in the long CONMEBOL qualifying format, and select Asian teams, recorded higher match totals than Nigeria.
Despite the pressure, the Nigeria Football Federation says the team’s packed calendar boosted commercial visibility and helped maintain a top-five ranking in Africa — keeping the Super Eagles among the most watched football brands on the continent.
