The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in the official Group Stage Best XI of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The recognition follows Nigeria’s strong showing in the group stage, where the Super Eagles finished top of Group C with three wins from three matches.
2025 AFCON: Nigeria beat Uganda 3-1 to end group with perfect record
Lookman featured prominently for Nigeria, scoring two goals and providing two assists in two appearances during the group phase.
The Atalanta winger operated across attacking midfield and wide positions, contributing to Nigeria’s build-up play and chance creation.
CAF said Lookman recorded the highest average player rating of the group stage, reflecting his influence in Nigeria’s attacking performances.
The Best XI was released by CAF on social media in a 3-4-3 formation.
Mohamed El Shenawy of Egypt was selected as goalkeeper, while Edmond Tapsoba of Burkina Faso, Axel Tuanzebe of DR Congo and Noussair Mazraoui of Morocco made up the defensive line.
The midfield featured Yassine Abdi of Tunisia, Carlos Baleba of Cameroon, Lookman of Nigeria and Brahim Díaz of Morocco.
In attack, CAF selected Sadio Mané of Senegal, Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, was also named CAF’s Group Stage Coach following the team’s unbeaten run.
However, the exclusion of Victor Osimhen from the Best XI generated discussion, despite the striker starting all three group matches and captaining Nigeria in the win over Uganda.
Nigeria scored eight goals against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, and the Super Eagles will now face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on January 5, 2026.
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