Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has been named in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) group stage Best XI of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), recognising his standout performances for the Super Eagles.
The Atalanta forward has been one of the tournament’s most impactful players, registering two goals and two assists in just two group stage appearances. His performance against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles also earned him the Man of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in Nigeria’s attacking setup.
In the CAF Best XI, Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy was selected as goalkeeper, while the defensive line featured Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Abdi (Tunisia), Edmund Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), and Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo). The midfield trio comprised Lookman alongside Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, reflecting a blend of creativity, pace, and tactical discipline.
The attacking trio included Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), cementing the CAF selection as a showcase of Africa’s top talent in both club and international football. Analysts note that this lineup balances technical skill with proven goal-scoring ability across multiple leagues.
CAF also recognised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as the group stage Best Coach, reflecting Nigeria’s strong tactical execution and efficient transition play. Chelle’s leadership has been praised for optimising player output and maintaining cohesion under tournament pressure.
Sports analysts say Lookman’s inclusion and Chelle’s award could boost the market value of Nigerian players abroad and attract scouting interest from European clubs. “Performances at AFCON can significantly enhance player profiles and transfer valuations,” said a football economist, noting that standout showings often translate into commercial and contractual leverage.
Fans and pundits on social media celebrated the achievements. One Nigerian supporter wrote, “Lookman is showing the world why he’s one of our brightest talents. Chelle deserves every bit of this recognition.” Others highlighted the tactical discipline instilled by Chelle as a factor in Nigeria’s early-stage success.
As AFCON 2025 progresses to the knockout rounds, Lookman’s form and Chelle’s leadership will be closely watched. Their recognition in the group stage Best XI and coaching awards signals both individual excellence and Nigeria’s serious ambitions in the tournament.
