Nigeria's key takeaways from their AFCON 2023 run: This is just the beginning  

After bursting into the lead in the final, Nigeria were just 45 minutes away from ending a tumultuous run of near-misses at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Just over a decade on from their last triumph on this stage, it looked as though the Super Eagles were heading for unexpected glory in Côte d’Ivoire.

It was not meant to be.

The hosts completed a fairytale comeback that saw Sebastian Haller's heroics crown them champions for a third time thanks to a thrilling 2-1 win in the final. 

This year marked the eighth time in which Nigeria have reached the final, taking their loss tally to five - falling agonisingly short once more.

But it can be argued that the Super Eagles overachieved on this occasion, with many expecting them to falter earlier on in the competition as the likes of Morocco and Senegal were tipped as favourites.

While it may not soften the blow, there are plenty of positives that can be taken from their unexpected run to the final.

Nigeria's promising future: Age is on their side

With the next instalment of AFCON set for 2025, we’ll likely see many familiar faces in the Nigerian squad, due to the strong contingent of young talent at their core.

Talisman Victor Osimhen is just 25-years-old and yet to reach his prime, despite his prolific nature in front of goal.

With the Nigerian’s adopting a more defensive approach to their tactical set-up, it meant their attacking trio were not in free-scoring flower, as Osimhen recorded only one goal and one assist in seven appearances over the last month.

He does, however, provide more than just his goals as one of the more complete forwards in the game.

With the next AFCON in less than two years time, it is very plausible the Napoli striker could be hitting his peak as they descend on Morocco - and he won’t be the only one. Fellow Ademola Lookman (26), Samuel Chukwueze (24) and Kelechi Iheanacho (27) are all approaching those crucial years in a football career that will see them hit their stride.

Even starting central midfield duo Frank Onyeka (26) and Alex Iwobi (27) contribute to a Nigerian core that has time on their side, and has no doubt learned plenty amidst their journey to the final.

Breakout stars Ekong and Nwabali

Being the breakout star of any tournament is usually synonymous with youth - new, unknown comodities bursting onto the scene as their career is just starting out. For the Super Eagles, however, two players in particular shone for them in Côte d’Ivoire.

Central defender William Troost-Ekong anchored a well-drilled defence who conceded just four goals across seven games, three of which came in the semi-final and final.

With his nation adopting a more defensive approach, a lot of responsibility fell on the backline, which William Troost-Ekong led expertly. He even contributed to the goals, with a towering header in the final coming after goals South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire in the group stages.

It is evident as to why the 30-year-old captains his country, embodying leadership and responsibility.

He was supported in the defensive unit by fellow breakout player Stanley Nwabali, who was between the sticks for the Nigerians across all seven games. The 27-year-old helped keep four clean sheets in seven outings, conceding more than one goal in a game for the first time as Nigeria were beaten in the final.

Much like his countryman Ekong, the shot-stopper was a key figuire in the Super Eagles’ route to the promiseland, and was among the players to address fans soon after their disappointing end.

“A disappointing and frustrating end,” he captioned a photo.

“I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan and I understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night.

“We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all.”

With characters like Ekong and Nwabali in their ranks, along with plenty of talented stars across their squad, there is no reason that Nigeria can’t take the lessons learned from the 2023 AFCON and return to the world stage in two years time and finally end their lengthy wait to lift the title once more.