Key stats 2023 AFCON: Top three dirtiest players from Nigeria; Onyeka top tackler and interceptor 

Statistics have shown that the Super Eagles played negative football at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite narrowly missing out on the trophy following a 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday's showpiece, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The top three players with the most fouls committed over the course of the tournament are from Nigeria including two forwards, with Ademola Lookman leading the way with 21 fouls in seven matches. 

Reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen (20) made the second most fouls in the tournament and in third place is Brentford star Frank Onyeka (18). 

Hardworking midfielder Onyeka was the top tackler with fourteen tackles registered, more than any other player in the tournament, while Calvin Bassey ranked second with thirteen tackles. 

Versatile wing-back Ola Aina was sixth in that department with the Nottingham Forest defender registering ten tackles.  

Onyeka showed his ability to read the game by making ten interceptions - the top player on display in that category. 

When it came to minutes played, West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi totaled 660 minutes across seven matches and ranked seventh behind Obite N'Dicka (Côte d'Ivoire), Yahia Fofana (Côte d'Ivoire), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), Aubrey Modiba (South Africa), Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) and Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa). 

Ajayi ranked ninth for interceptions (7)  while Victor Osimhen was the stat leader for shots (24), one of which he converted for his first goal at the Africa Cup of Nations in a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. 

Lookman won the second most fouls (17) and was the fourth top crosser having registered 30. 

Only Golden Glove winner Ronwen Williams (20) made more saves than Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali (19). 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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