AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey make CAF Best XI

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its Best XI for the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with three Super Eagles stars, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey.

The list was released after the tournament ended on January 18, 2026, with Senegal crowned champions following a 1-0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco in the final, decided by Pape Gueye’s strike in the fourth minute of added time.

Nigeria finished the competition on a high, clinching the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.

CAF’s Best XI, published on its official X page, was arranged in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring players from just three countries — Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria.

Osimhen, who featured in six matches for the Super Eagles, scored four goals as Nigeria secured third place.

Lookman impressed with the highest goal involvement at the tournament, netting three goals and four assists, earning a return to CAF’s Team of the Tournament after his debut selection in AFCON 2023.

Bassey completed Nigeria’s representation after a solid defensive display throughout the competition.

The Fulham defender played every minute for the Super Eagles before missing the bronze-medal match due to suspension, helping Nigeria keep three clean sheets.

AFCON champions Senegal dominated the Best XI with four players, including Player of the Tournament Sadio Mane, Idris Gana Gueye, match-winner Pape Gueye, and defender Moussa Niakhite.