Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been named in the Best XI of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emerging as the only Nigerian player on the list, while Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, was selected as the best coach after three rounds of matches.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the Group Stage Best XI on Friday.
Lookman, who has recorded two goals and two assists in two appearances at the tournament, was listed in a three-man midfield alongside Morocco’s Brahim Díaz and Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba.
The Atalanta star opened his AFCON goal account with the match-winning strike against Tanzania in Nigeria’s opening game. He followed that performance with a goal and two assists in the Super Eagles’ 3–2 victory over Tunisia in their second group match.
CAF noted that Lookman has operated with the intelligence and influence of a midfielder, making him one of the standout performers of the group stage.
“The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman, was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to operate both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, while his off-the-ball movement posed serious problems for defenders,” CAF stated.
“His ability to find pockets of space and deliver key passes at crucial moments made him one of the most dangerous players of the group stage.”
Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, was also recognised as the best coach of the group stage after leading the Super Eagles to the top of their group with three consecutive victories.
CAF praised Chelle for instilling tactical discipline and balance in the team, highlighting a solid defensive structure, swift transitions and the freedom given to attacking players.
“Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria displayed tactical clarity and cohesion. His consistent selections and clear vision allowed the team to perform at their best, while his ability to maximise the squad’s potential and build a collective identity stood out,” the football body said.
Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy was named the best goalkeeper of the group stage.
The defensive line in the Best XI features Noussair Mazraoui and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi of Morocco, Axel Tuanzebe of DR Congo, and Edmond Tapsoba of Burkina Faso.
In attack, Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo leads the frontline, supported by Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez. Diallo has scored twice at the tournament, Mané has one goal, while Mahrez tops the scoring chart with three goals in two matches.
The competition continues on Saturday in Morocco with two round-of-16 fixtures. Defending champions Senegal will take on Sudan in Tangier, while Mali face Tunisia in Casablanca.
Nigeria will resume their AFCON campaign on Monday, when they clash with Mozambique in Fes.
