Süper Lig Sends Strong Contingent to AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco will feature a notable presence from Türkiye’s Süper Lig, with over 20 players from 11 clubs selected to represent their national teams. The call-ups underscore the league’s growing importance as a competitive platform for African footballers across multiple positions and playing styles.

While AFCON offers players a prestigious international stage, it also presents logistical and sporting challenges for Süper Lig clubs as the domestic season continues through a demanding winter period.

Süper Lig Players at AFCON: Clubs and Roles

Galatasaray

• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Central striker and primary attacking reference for Nigeria, bringing pace, physicality, and elite finishing.
• Mario Lemina (Gabon) – Experienced defensive midfielder valued for positional discipline and leadership.
• Ismail Jakobs (Senegal) – Versatile full-back contributing both defensively and in transition.

Fenerbahçe

• Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco) – Established international forward and key figure in Morocco’s attacking setup.
• Dorgeles Nene (Mali) – Young, dynamic attacker providing speed and depth in wide areas.

Beşiktaş

• Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria) – Defensive midfielder known for ball recovery, game intelligence, and tactical balance.
• El Bilal Touré (Ivory Coast) – Mobile forward offering pressing intensity and off-the-ball movement.

Trabzonspor

• Paul Onuachu (Nigeria) – Target forward whose aerial strength and hold-up play provide tactical variety.
• Christ Inao Oulai (Ivory Coast) – Defender adding depth and physical presence to the back line.

Alanyaspor

• Steve Mounié (Benin) – Senior international striker and long-time national team regular.
• Maestro (Angola) – Central midfielder contributing physicality and structure.
• Meschack Elia (DR Congo) – Attacking winger with pace and international experience.

Other Süper Lig Representatives

• Başakşehir: Christopher Operi (Ivory Coast), Oliver Kemen (Cameroon)
• Çaykur Rizespor: Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast)
• Samsunspor: Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal)
• Göztepe: Junior Olaitan (Benin), Novatus Miroshi (Tanzania)
• Kasımpaşa: Adem Arous, Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Tunisia)

Recent Form: Club and International Context

Most Süper Lig players heading to AFCON have featured regularly for their clubs during the first half of the season, particularly in attacking and midfield roles. Forwards such as Osimhen, En-Nesyri, and Ndiaye arrive with sustained scoring influence, while players like Ndidi and Jakobs contribute through defensive stability and tactical execution rather than headline statistics.

At international level, many were involved throughout their national teams’ qualification campaigns, providing continuity and cohesion ahead of the tournament.

Players to Watch

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray)

One of the most prominent figures at the tournament, Osimhen combines elite athleticism with decisive finishing and remains central to Nigeria’s ambitions.

Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco, Fenerbahçe)

Playing for the host nation, En-Nesyri’s experience and goal threat could prove decisive in high-pressure matches.

Paul Onuachu (Nigeria, Trabzonspor)

A contrasting attacking profile, Onuachu’s physical presence offers tactical flexibility against compact defenses.

Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal, Samsunspor)

A reliable scorer at club level, Ndiaye has the potential to play a meaningful role within Senegal’s deep attacking rotation.

Looking Ahead

As AFCON unfolds in Morocco, the performances of Süper Lig players will be closely followed by European clubs and recruitment departments with the winter transfer period approaching. Strong showings on the continental stage could shape short-term market interest and influence squad planning, while Süper Lig teams balance temporary absences against the broader visibility such tournaments can bring.