Ademola Lookman has been named in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) official Best XI for the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emerging as the sole representative from Nigeria following the Super Eagles’ flawless campaign in Morocco.
The Atalanta winger’s inclusion rewards a stellar display that saw him contribute two goals and two assists across just two appearances, while earning the highest average player rating among all participants in the opening phase. Operating in advanced midfield and wide roles, Lookman consistently unsettled defences, dictated tempo, and proved Nigeria’s most influential attacking force.
CAF announced the team on social media, selecting a 3-4-3 formation that highlighted standout performers from a group stage featuring 87 goals across 36 matches. The lineup includes:
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Midfielders: Yassine Abdi (Tunisia), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Forwards: Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle also received acclaim, named the Group Stage Coach of the Tournament for masterminding a perfect record.
The Super Eagles delivered one of the most dominant group-stage performances in recent AFCON history, topping Group C with nine points from three victories: a 2-1 win over Tanzania, a thrilling 3-2 triumph against Tunisia, and a 3-1 defeat of Uganda. Scoring eight goals – at an average of 2.7 per game marked Nigeria’s most prolific group phase since 2008, when they netted nine en route to the quarter-finals.
This flawless run secured an automatic berth in the round of 16 and positioned Nigeria among the favourites alongside sides like hosts Morocco and holders Senegal. Under Eric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, the team has blended tactical discipline with attacking flair, conceding just four goals while showcasing depth across the squad.
Lookman’s recognition underscores his growing stature on the continental stage. The 27-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the previous edition, has continued his rich vein of form in Morocco. His two goals and two assists placed him among the top contributors, with standout moments including a Man of the Match display against Tunisia.
However, the selection sparked debate over the omission of captain Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker featured in all three group matches, leading the line with physicality and hold-up play that created opportunities for teammates. Osimhen scored in the victory over Tunisia – his first AFCON goal since early in the 2023 tournament – and demonstrated strong link-up with Lookman, yet his relative lack of multiple direct goal involvements appears to have edged him out of the XI.
Fans and analysts noted the partnership’s promise, with Osimhen’s presence drawing defenders and opening space for Lookman’s runs. Despite the snub, Osimhen has remained vocal about the team’s ambitions, recently declaring the Super Eagles ready to “trample on any opponent” in the knockouts.
Nigeria now shifts focus to the round of 16, where they face Mozambique on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès the same venue that hosted their group fixtures. Kick-off is at 8:00 pm local time. The Mambas advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, achieving a historic first knockout qualification.
A victory would propel the three-time champions winners in 1980, 1994, and 2013 – into the quarter-finals, keeping alive hopes of ending an 11-year title drought. With Lookman’s form, Chelle’s tactical acumen, and a squad brimming with talent, Nigeria enter the tie as heavy favourites, but the knockout stage demands sustained intensity to navigate Africa’s competitive landscape.
