1XBet AFCON 2025: Lookman emerges as Nigeria’s lone representative in Group Stage Best XI
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles received individual recognition at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after winger Ademola Lookman was named the only Nigerian in the official Group Stage Best XI by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Nigeria’s Super Eagles received individual recognition at the 2025 1xBet Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after winger Ademola Lookman was named the only Nigerian in the official Group Stage Best XI by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Atalanta attacker impressed across Nigeria’s three group matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists in just two appearances, while operating from advanced midfield and wide positions. His creativity, dribbling, and ability to dictate play earned him the highest average player rating of the group stage.
CAF released the Best XI on social media in a 3-4-3 formation as follows:
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)
CAF also named Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle as Group Stage Coach of the Tournament.
However, the omission of striker Victor Osimhen sparked debate. Despite starting all three group matches and captaining Nigeria to a 3–1 win over Uganda, the Galatasaray forward was left out. While Osimhen has shown strong on-field chemistry with Lookman, his relative lack of goals during the group stage may have influenced CAF’s decision.
Nigeria topped Group C with victories over Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2), and Uganda (3–1), scoring eight goals in three matches — their most productive group-stage performance since 2008, averaging 2.7 goals per game.
The Super Eagles now turn their attention to the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique on January 5, 2026, aiming to build on their stellar group-stage form.
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