Nigeria’s impressive group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has earned recognition from the Confederation of African Football, with Ademola Lookman emerging as the only Nigerian named in CAF’s official Group Stage Best XI.
The Atalanta winger shone across two matches, contributing two goals and two assists while operating from advanced midfield and wide attacking positions. CAF praised his versatility, noting that he “was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, and his movement off the ball was a nightmare for defenders. Lookman’s intelligence in finding pockets of space and his ability to produce key passes in critical moments made him one of the group stage’s most dangerous players.”
Nigeria scored eight goals in three group matches, finishing top of Group C with wins over Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2), and Uganda (3–1), averaging 2.7 goals per game – their most productive group-stage performance since 2008.
While Lookman’s decisive impact earned CAF recognition, the omission of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen sparked debate among fans and analysts. Osimhen started all three group matches and captained Nigeria in the 3–1 win over Uganda but did not make the Best XI, likely due to his relative lack of goals in the group stage.
CAF released the Best XI in a 3-4-3 formation on its official platforms: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt) in goal; Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) in defence; Yassine Abdi (Tunisia), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), and Brahim Díaz (Morocco) in midfield; with Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) leading the attack.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was also recognized as CAF’s Group Stage Coach. CAF highlighted his impact, writing: “His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play. Chelle’s ability to maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage.”
As Nigeria shifts focus to the Round of 16 against Mozambique on January 5, 2026, the Super Eagles will look to maintain their momentum and build on a group-stage campaign that has firmly placed them among the tournament favourites.
