Nigeria’s strong showing at AFCON 2025 has been recognised at the highest level, with three Super Eagles stars named in the official Team of the Tournament unveiled by the Confederation of African Football. Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen all earned places in CAF’s Best XI, underlining Nigeria’s impact across defence, midfield and attack.
The selection was made by CAF’s Technical Study Group following an in-depth review of performances across the tournament in Morocco. Using live data, video analysis and on-site assessments, CAF assessed consistency, influence and overall contribution, with Nigeria emerging as one of the best-represented nations after champions Senegal and runners-up Morocco.
Nigeria finished third at AFCON 2025 after edging Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff, having earlier suffered a narrow semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco. Despite missing out on the final, the Super Eagles left the tournament with plenty of positives, not least individual performances that stood out across the competition.
Excellence, position by position. Meet the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 best XI. ?@Midea pic.twitter.com/DP3r3AzMiF
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 21, 2026
Defence
Calvin Bassey was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence throughout the tournament. The Fulham centre-back featured in every match except the third-place playoff, which he missed through suspension, and played a key role as Nigeria kept three clean sheets on their way to the semi-finals. His physical presence, recovery pace and composure on the ball were consistently highlighted, earning him a deserved place in the heart of the Best XI defence.
Midfield
In midfield, Ademola Lookman was one of the defining players of AFCON 2025. The Atalanta star finished the tournament with seven goal involvements, scoring three times and providing four assists, more than any other player at the competition. Lookman was Nigeria’s creative spark, regularly driving attacks, creating chances and delivering decisive moments, including Man of the Match performances against Tunisia and Mozambique.
Attack
Up front, Victor Osimhen completed Nigeria’s trio in the Team of the Tournament. The Super Eagles striker scored four goals to finish as the competition’s second-highest scorer, trailing only Morocco’s Brahim Díaz. Osimhen’s movement, physicality and relentless pressing caused problems for every defence he faced, and his presence was central to Nigeria’s run to the last four.
The Rest
While Nigeria contributed three players, Senegal and Morocco dominated the overall selection, with four representatives each. Champions Senegal were rewarded for their title-winning campaign, while hosts Morocco saw several of their standout performers included after reaching the final.
The full AFCON 2025 Best XI consists of Yassine Bounou in goal; Achraf Hakimi, Moussa Niakhaté, Calvin Bassey and Noussair Mazraoui in defence; Ademola Lookman, Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye in midfield; and an attacking trio of Brahim Díaz, Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mané.
