The Confederation of African Football has named three Nigerian stars, Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman, in its official Best XI of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF released the team of the tournament on Wednesday morning, just days after the conclusion of the competition, with players from Nigeria, Senegal and Morocco dominating the selection.
Osimhen earned his place after featuring in six matches for the Super Eagles, who finished third to claim the bronze medal in Morocco. The Galatasaray striker found the net four times during the tournament, playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s campaign as the three-time African champions returned to the podium.
Lookman, Osimhen’s international teammate and an Atalanta winger, was one of the most influential players at the tournament. He recorded the highest overall goal involvement, scoring three times and providing four assists, underlining his importance to Nigeria’s attacking play throughout the competition.
Bassey’s inclusion reflected his commanding performances at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence. The Fulham centre-back was a consistent presence, helping Nigeria keep three clean sheets across the six matches he played. He featured for every available minute under coach Eric Chelle in Morocco, only missing the third-place playoff due to suspension.
While Nigeria placed three players in the Best XI, both the tournament winners Senegal and runners-up Morocco were also heavily represented. Each country contributed four players to the final selection, highlighting their strong overall displays.
Morocco’s presence included goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who conceded only two goals in seven matches, as well as defenders Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. The Atlas Lions were also represented in attack by Brahim Díaz, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
Senegal’s contribution came from across the pitch, with defenders and midfielders Moussa Niakhaté, Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye making the cut. The Lions of Teranga were also represented up front by Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament following his standout performances.
AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament
Below is the Best XI for AFCON 2025
Goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal)
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Midfielders
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
Forwards
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
What you should know
CAF’s AFCON 2025 Best XI reflects the balance of power at the tournament, with Senegal’s championship run, Morocco’s consistency and Nigeria’s resurgence all recognised.
For Nigeria, the inclusion of Osimhen, Lookman and Bassey underscores the team’s blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s strongest sides heading into future international competitions.
