AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman Emerges as Nigeria’s Sole Representative in CAF Group Stage Best XI

Ademola Lookman was Nigeria's standout performer in the AFCON 2025 group stage, earning a place in CAF's Best XI

Nigeria’s impressive run at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has continued to attract continental recognition, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named Ademola Lookman as the only Nigerian player in its official Group Stage Best XI.
The announcement, made via CAF’s verified social media platforms, highlighted standout individual performances from across the tournament’s opening phase. While Nigeria dominated Group C with attacking flair and tactical discipline, it was Lookman’s brilliance that ultimately earned him a place among Africa’s elite performers of the group stage.

Ademola Lookman’s inclusion in the Best XI came as little surprise to fans and analysts who followed Nigeria’s group-stage matches closely. The Atalanta winger delivered a series of high-impact performances that defined Nigeria’s attacking rhythm throughout the group phase. In just two appearances, Lookman registered two goals and two assists, making him one of the most productive players in the entire group stage. Operating from advanced midfield areas and wide attacking positions, he constantly disrupted opposing defenses with his pace, movement, and sharp decision-making.
More than just goals and assists, Lookman’s overall influence stood out. He dictated tempo, linked midfield to attack seamlessly, and provided the creative spark that often unlocked stubborn defenses. CAF’s technical observers reportedly rated him as the highest-performing Nigerian player statistically, with the best average player rating across all group matches.

CAF unveiled the Group Stage Best XI in a 3-4-3 formation, selecting players who consistently delivered match-winning performances for their nations.
The final list included:
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)

The list reflects a blend of experience, youthful energy, and technical excellence, with Lookman standing tall as Nigeria’s sole representative among Africa’s best.

Nigeria’s group-stage journey at AFCON 2025 was one of the most entertaining and productive in recent tournament history. The Super Eagles topped Group C, recording three wins from three matches and scoring a total of eight goals.
Their results included:

• Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
• Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia
• Nigeria 3–1 Uganda

With an average of 2.7 goals per game, this became Nigeria’s most prolific AFCON group-stage performance since 2008. The team showed attacking depth, tactical balance, and mental resilience, especially in high-pressure moments. While the goals were shared across the squad, Lookman’s direct involvement in key attacking moments made him the standout performer, especially when games needed inspiration or urgency.

In addition to Lookman’s individual honor, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was named CAF Group Stage Coach of the Tournament.
Chelle’s recognition reflects the tactical clarity and discipline Nigeria displayed throughout the group phase. His flexible system allowed attacking players like Lookman to thrive while maintaining defensive solidity. Under his guidance, Nigeria transitioned smoothly between possession-based play and quick counterattacks, overwhelming opponents with pace and precision.
The coach’s ability to manage squad rotation, player roles, and in-game adjustments earned praise from analysts and fans alike.

Despite Nigeria’s attacking success, Victor Osimhen’s absence from the Group Stage Best XI sparked intense debate among fans and football pundits. The Galatasaray striker started all three group matches and captained the Super Eagles during the crucial 3–1 victory over Uganda. His leadership, work rate, and off-the-ball movement were widely acknowledged, but CAF’s selection criteria appeared to prioritize direct goal contributions. Osimhen did not score as many goals as expected during the group phase, a factor that may have influenced his omission. In a tournament where forwards like Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Amad Diallo delivered decisive goals, CAF opted for players with more visible end-product statistics. Nevertheless, many fans argue that Osimhen’s impact went beyond goals, as he often drew defenders away, created space for teammates, and initiated pressing from the front.

One of the positives from Nigeria’s group-stage performance has been the growing on-field chemistry between Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. Their understanding has added a new dimension to Nigeria’s attack, with Lookman’s creativity complementing Osimhen’s physical presence and intelligent movement. While Lookman claimed the headlines with goals and assists, Osimhen’s contributions often went unnoticed in statistical summaries. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, this partnership could become Nigeria’s most dangerous weapon.

Lookman’s selection in CAF’s Group Stage Best XI is more than just individual recognition; it serves as a statement of Nigeria’s quality and ambition at AFCON 2025. Being the only Nigerian named underscores both his personal excellence and the competitive standards applied by CAF. It also places additional responsibility on the winger as Nigeria advances deeper into the tournament. For Nigerian fans, Lookman’s rise reinforces confidence that the Super Eagles possess match-winners capable of delivering when it matters most.

With the group stage behind them, the Super Eagles now turn their attention to a crucial Round of 16 showdown against Mozambique, scheduled for January 5, 2026. The knockout phase presents a different challenge, where margins are slimmer and experience becomes vital. Nigeria will be hoping Lookman can maintain his form, while Osimhen and other attackers step up with decisive contributions.
Coach Eric Chelle is expected to rely on the same attacking balance that brought success in the group stage, while tightening defensive concentration to avoid costly mistakes.
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Ademola Lookman’s inclusion in CAF’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI is a deserved reward for a player who consistently delivered excellence when Nigeria needed it most. His performances not only elevated the Super Eagles but also placed him among Africa’s elite footballers at the tournament.
While debates continue over Victor Osimhen’s omission, Nigeria’s collective strength remains evident. As the competition enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Lookman and the Super Eagles as they chase continental glory. If Nigeria can build on their group-stage momentum, AFCON 2025 could yet become a defining chapter in the nation’s football history.

By Primelineinfo