Osimhen, Lookman lead Nigeria’s strong presence in AFCON 2025 Best XI

By Joe Apu

Nigeria’s Super Eagles made a significant mark on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after three of their players were named in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) official Team of the Tournament, released following the conclusion of the competition on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, alongside defender Bruno Onyemaechi, were recognised for their standout performances as Nigeria finished third at the tournament, reaffirming the team’s attacking quality and growing defensive stability on the continental stage.

Osimhen was one of the competition’s most influential attackers, scoring four goals and providing two assists, spearheading Nigeria’s frontline with power and consistency. Lookman was equally impressive, contributing three goals and four assists, and playing a decisive role in Nigeria’s progression through the knockout stages with his creativity and work rate.

Onyemaechi’s inclusion at left-back capped a solid tournament for the defender, whose disciplined performances earned him continental recognition. His selection, however, also sparked debate, as the omission of fellow Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey came as a surprise to many observers, particularly after Bassey’s strong showing in the latter stages of the competition.

While tournament winners Senegal dominated CAF’s Best XI following their 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in the final, Nigeria’s trio stood out as one of the most represented teams outside the champions. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, midfielders Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye, defender Krépin Diatta, and forward Sadio Mané — who was named Player of the Tournament—featured prominently in the selection.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia, as well as Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui, also earned places in the team. Morocco, despite losing the final, picked up several individual honours, with Brahim Díaz winning the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou named Best Goalkeeper, and the hosts receiving the Fair Play Award.

CAF’s Best XI for AFCON 2025 reads: Édouard Mendy; Noussair Mazraoui, Rami Rabia, Bruno Onyemaechi, Krépin Diatta; Mamadou Sangare, Idrissa Gueye; Mohamed Salah, Ademola Lookman, Sadio Mané; Victor Osimhen.

For Nigeria, the recognition of Osimhen, Lookman and Onyemaechi underlines the Super Eagles’ quality and reinforces optimism ahead of future continental and global competitions.