Nigeria take on hosts Morocco in their semi-final clash in Rabat on Wednesday, and will either advance from there to the final or the third-place play-off fixture.
Their two goals in Saturday’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakech lifted their tournament tally to 14, only two shy of the record of 16 that the Ivory Coast set in 2008.
Nigeria scored eight goals in finishing top of Group C and then added four more in a one-sided win over Mozambique in the round of 16 in Fes.
The form of Victor Osimhen (4 goals) and Ademola Lookman (3) has lifted them to the last-4, while the playmaking ability of Alex Iwobi behind them has been one of the stand-out features of the tournament to date.
Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika have also contributed two goals each, while Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu have all netted once.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has worked hard to implement his style on the team and while that did not deliver 2026 World Cup qualification, it is clear they are warming to his methods 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 win over Algeria. "My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.
"The victory we achieved 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.”
Eighteen years ago, the Ivorians netted their 16 goals in six matches when they finished in fourth place, with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Boubacar Sanogo and Kader Keïta all bagging three each.
Zambia’s 15 goal haul in the 1996 finals in South Africa was the record before that and was matched by Egypt in 2008 and 2010 when the Pharaohs emerged winners on both occasions in Ghana and then Angola.
At this year’s tournament, the other semi-finalists Senegal have 11 goals, and Egypt and Morocco have scored nine goals in their five matches each played to date.
Most goals scored in a single Africa Cup of Nations tournament
16 – Ivory Coast (2008)
15 – Zambia (1996), Egypt (2008 and 2010)
14 – Zaire (1974), Morocco (2004), Cameroon (2008 and 2021), Nigeria (2025)