Lookman Named Among AFCON Best XI 

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been named among the standout performers of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 28-year-old Atalanta forward is the only Nigerian included in the Best XI released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday, following Nigeria’s impressive run in Group F.

Lookman delivered an outstanding performance, scoring two goals and providing two assists as the Super Eagles secured maximum points from their three group matches to book a place in the round of 16. 

He scored the winning goal in Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania and later netted a stunning third goal in the victory over Tunisia.

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, was also recognised for his team’s dominant showing, earning the award for best manager of the group stage.

Hosts Morocco had two players, Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui, selected in the Best XI, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo led the attack. Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez completed the forward line.

In midfield and defence, Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba, DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe, Tunisia’s Ali Abdi, and Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba were also included, while Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy was named as the tournament’s best goalkeeper of the group phase.

The knockout stage of the 2025 AFCON is set to begin on December 3, with Nigeria scheduled to face Mozambique on December 5.