Nigeria’s impressive run in the group phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been acknowledged by the Confederation of African Football, with Ademola Lookman earning a place in the tournament’s official Group Stage Best XI.
The Atalanta winger was rewarded for his outstanding displays, registering two goals and two assists in only two outings while thriving across advanced midfield and wide attacking roles.
His influence was evident throughout Nigeria’s campaign, as he controlled attacking phases, troubled opposing defenders, and finished the group stage as the Super Eagles’ most reliable attacking outlet, posting the highest average player rating.
CAF revealed the Best XI on social media, lining up in a 3-4-3 formation:
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)
In addition to Lookman’s individual honour, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was named CAF’s Group Stage Coach.
Still, CAF’s selection raised questions following the absence of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian captain featured in all three group matches and wore the armband during the 3–1 victory over Uganda, yet did not make the final XI.
Nigeria topped Group C with victories over Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2), and Uganda (3–1), scoring eight goals in three games,an average of 2.7 per match and their most prolific group-stage showing since 2008.
While Lookman and Osimhen displayed encouraging chemistry in attack, CAF’s decision appeared to favour Lookman’s direct goal contributions, with Osimhen’s lower goal return likely influencing his omission.
Attention now shifts to the knockout phase, as the Super Eagles prepare for a Round of 16 showdown against Mozambique on January 5, 2026.
