The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its Best XI for the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with three Super Eagles stars—Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey—earning places in the Team of the Tournament.
CAF announced the selection following the conclusion of the competition on January 18, 2026. Senegal emerged champions after edging host nation Morocco 1–0 in the final, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time.
Nigeria finished third at the tournament, clinching the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.
The Best XI, published on CAF’s official X page, was arranged in a 4-3-3 formation and comprised players from only three countries: Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria.
Osimhen featured in six matches for the Super Eagles, scoring four goals as Nigeria secured a podium finish. Ademola Lookman was also rewarded for an impressive campaign, emerging as the tournament’s most productive attacker with three goals and four assists. The Atalanta winger was named in CAF’s Team of the Tournament for the second time, having made the list during his debut AFCON appearance in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.
Calvin Bassey completed Nigeria’s representation in the Best XI. The Fulham defender was a dominant figure in the Super Eagles’ defence, helping the team record three clean sheets. He played every minute of the tournament until missing the third-place playoff due to suspension.
However, CAF’s selection overlooked midfielder Alex Iwobi, despite widespread praise for his consistent performances and influence in Nigeria’s midfield throughout the competition.
Champions Senegal dominated the lineup with four players, including Player of the Tournament Sadio Mané, Idris Gana Gueye, match-winner Pape Gueye and defender Moussa Niakhaté.
Runners-up Morocco also had four players named, including Goalkeeper of the Tournament Yassine Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz.
CAF’s selection sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some questioning the inclusion of Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who featured in only four matches following injury and had a relatively subdued tournament.