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As the continent's football spectacle of AFCON 2025, reaches the quarter finals, all eyes are on the Nigerian Super Eagles. While Nigeria has always boasted individual brilliance, there is a burgeoning tactical synergy that the legendary midfielder Sunday Oliseh—and fans across the globe— has been buzzing. The conversation has shifted from "who will start" to how the "Three Musketeers" and a secret fourth weapon will dismantle the defenses of the remaining eight teams in the ongoing AFCON 2025.
The Origin: From Literature to the Pitch
The term "Three Musketeers" originates from the 1844 classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. It follows the adventures of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—three elite swordsmen inseparable in their loyalty and lethal in their coordination. Their famous motto, "All for one, one for all," defines the essence of a brotherhood where individual ego is sacrificed for the collective victory.
In football, this moniker is reserved for attacking trios who possess an almost telepathic understanding. A footballing "Three Musketeers" set-up isn't just about three good players; it’s about a combination of distinct traits—speed, power, and finesse—that, when blended, become impossible to mark.
The first "Three Musketeers" in football history were the iconic Dutch trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard.
This legendary trio dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s, most notably with the Italian club AC Milan and the Netherlands national team.
Ruud Gullit was known for his versatility, vision, and leadership, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1987.
Marco van Basten was a clinical striker, renowned for his technical skill and memorable goals, who won three Ballon d'Or awards (1988, 1989, 1992).
Frank Rijkaard was a brilliant and intelligent defensive midfielder/defender, crucial to the team's balance and success.
Together, their achievements include winning the UEFA Euro 1988 Championship with the Netherlands and securing numerous titles with AC Milan, including multiple Serie A titles and two European Cups (now the Champions League). In 1988, they achieved a unique feat when all three finished in the top three spots for the Ballon d'Or award.
Nigerian Legacy of Trios
Nigeria is no stranger to this concept. Many historians point to the mid-1990s as the era of the first true Musketeers of the Super Eagles: Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, and Emmanuel Amuneke. They were the spearhead of the 1994 AFCON-winning side, combining Yekini’s clinical finishing, Amokachi’s "Bull" strength, and Amuneke’s technical wizardry from the wing.
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The Modern Trio: Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams
Sunday Oliseh recently sparked debate by identifying the new vanguard: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams. Why this specific trio?
* Victor Osimhen: The former African King. He is the relentless engine, providing the high press and the elite finishing that terrifies center-backs.
* Ademola Lookman: The creative spark. After his historic Europa League final hat-trick, Lookman has proven he is the "Aramis" of the group—elegant, agile, and capable of scoring from nothing. Also a former African player of the year 2024.
* Akor Adams: The rising force. Adams provides a physical profile that complements the others, acting as a focal point that allows Osimhen and Lookman more space to operate in the half-spaces.
Oliseh argues that this trio mirrors the balance of the greats: one to hold, one to create, and one to finish.
The "Fourth" Musketeer: Why Paul Onuachu is the X-Factor
In Dumas’ novel, there was a fourth member who eventually joined the ranks: d'Artagnan. In the Super Eagles' 2025 campaign, that man is Paul Onuachu.
While the starting trio wears teams down with pace and movement, Onuachu offers a "Plan B" that is arguably more dangerous in the cagey knockout rounds of AFCON. Standing at nearly 7 feet tall, his aerial dominance changes the geometry of the game. When tired defenders are dealing with the movement of Lookman and Osimhen, the introduction of Onuachu creates a physical mismatch that most African defenses simply cannot calibrate for in the final 20 minutes of a match.
Does Coach "Eric Chelsea" Buy the Idea?
There has been much speculation regarding the tactical flexibility of the coaching staff, often colloquially linked to "Chelsea-style" pragmatic blueprints (referring to the disciplined, structured approach favored by certain tactical schools).
The question remains: Will the coaching staff commit to pairing these three players consistently through AFCON 2025?
Current tactical trends suggest that while the "Three Musketeers" approach is devastating, the coach is wary of defensive balance. However, the sheer goal-scoring output of Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams makes them almost impossible to bench. Reports from the camp suggest the coaching staff is leaning toward a 3-4-3 or a fluid 4-3-3 that allows these three to stay close together, using their chemistry to "suffocate" the opposition.
If the Super Eagles can maintain this attacking harmony while utilizing Onuachu as the ultimate disruptor, the rest of Africa should be on high alert. The blades are sharpened, and for the Super Eagles, it’s "all for one" on the road to the trophy.
The Numbers Behind the Hype: Form into AFCON 2025
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As the Super Eagles settle in Marrakech for their quarter-final showdown against Algeria, the "Three Musketeers" aren't just a catchy label—they are the statistically most dangerous attacking unit in the tournament. Under the guidance of Coach Eric Chelle, the synergy between these players has transitioned from club-level brilliance to international dominance.
Victor Osimhen: The "Athos" in Ruthless Form
Since his move to Galatasaray, Osimhen has maintained his status as Africa’s premier marksman. In the 2025/2026 season leading up to AFCON, he has been in scintillating form, netting 6 goals in 12 league appearances and delivering dominant performances in the Europa League.
At AFCON 2025, he has truly hit his stride, notably scoring a brace in the 4–0 Round of 16 demolition of Mozambique. With 34 international goals now to his name, he is breathing down the neck of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record. His role in this trio is clear: he is the finisher who thrives on the chaos created by his partners.
Ademola Lookman: The "Aramis" Creative Master
If Osimhen is the sword, Lookman is the finesse. At Atalanta, Lookman has continued to evolve, recording 3 goals and 5 assists so far in the current AFCON tournament alone. He has already secured two Man of the Match awards in Morocco, acting as the primary playmaker.
Whether starting as a second striker or a fluid winger, Lookman’s ability to transition the ball from midfield to the "Musketeers" has been the backbone of Nigeria’s perfect group-stage record. His club form—including key goals in Serie A—has translated into him becoming arguably the most influential player for the national team this year.
Akor Adams: The "Porthos" Physical Presence
The newest addition to the trio, Akor Adams, has proven Sunday Oliseh’s scouting instincts correct. Since joining Sevilla in early 2025, Adams has adapted to the high intensity of La Liga, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in 14 matches.
In the Super Eagles' setup, Adams has started in 4 matches this tournament, providing the physical "hold-up" play that allows Lookman and Osimhen to ghost past defenders. His presence ensures that Nigeria is never bullied in the final third, a trait that will be vital against a tactically disciplined Algeria side.
Why Paul Onuachu is the "Lethal Fourth"
While the trio starts the fire, Paul Onuachu is the one who ensures it keeps burning. Onuachu has been a revelation at Trabzonspor this season, leading the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts with a staggering 11 goals in 15 matches.
Coach Eric Chelle has utilized him perfectly as a "super-sub." Even in limited minutes during the AFCON group stages, Onuachu has provided a different tactical dimension. His aerial threat and 92% goal-impact rating at club level mean that even if an opponent manages to "solve" the movement of the Three Musketeers for 70 minutes, they must then face a 6'7" goal-machine in the closing stages.
Eric Chelle’s "Chelsea" Philosophy
Coach Eric Chelle has been widely praised for his calm demeanor and tactical flexibility. While fans have dubbed his structured approach "Eric Chelsea" (a nod to his defensive stability), he has shown a surprising willingness to let his front three roam free.
Chelle has effectively "bought the idea" of this pairing, consistently deploying Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams together to build chemistry. Lookman recently confirmed this growing bond, stating,
"The team is improving every single game... we are operating in a fluid attacking trio."
With the quarter-finals ahead, Chelle’s challenge will be balancing this offensive fire with defensive solidity, but one thing is certain: Nigeria’s "Musketeers" have the form and the figures to bring the trophy home.
