Ademola Lookman has earned a place among the standout performers of the group stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the only Nigerian included in CAF’s official Best XI for the opening round.
The 28-year-old Atalanta winger played a key role in Nigeria’s flawless group campaign, contributing two goals and two assists as the Super Eagles secured all nine points from three matches in Group F.
Lookman netted the decisive goal in Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania and later crowned a commanding win over Tunisia with a superb third goal, underlining his influence throughout the group phase.
Nigeria’s impressive showing also earned recognition for head coach Eric Chelle, who was named the best manager of the group stage by the Confederation of African Football.
The CAF Best XI features two Moroccan players — Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui — while Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo spearheads the attack alongside Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez. Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy was selected as goalkeeper.
Completing the team are Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba, DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe, Tunisia’s Ali Abdi, and Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba.
The knockout phase of AFCON 2025 begins on December 3, with Nigeria set to take on Mozambique in the round of 16 on December 5.
