The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named three Nigerians, Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman, in its Best XI for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The list, dominated by players from Nigeria, Senegal, and Morocco, was released on Wednesday morning, just three days after the tournament concluded.
Osimhen played in all but one of the six matches for the Super Eagles, helping Nigeria secure the bronze medal in Morocco. The Galatasaray striker scored four goals during the continental soccer competition.
Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta winger, had the highest goal involvement at AFCON, with three goals and four assists. While Fulham’s Calvin Bassey earned his spot thanks to his solid defensive performances.
The former Rangers defender was instrumental in Nigeria’s backline, helping the team keep three clean sheets in the six matches he featured in. Bassey played every minute under Coach Eric Chelle but missed the third-place playoff due to suspension.
While Nigeria had three players on the Best XI, Morocco and Senegal also had strong representation, each contributing four players.
Morocco’s lineup includes goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who conceded just twice in seven matches, along with Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, and the tournament’s top scorer Brahim DÃaz.
Senegal, the tournament champions, are represented by Moussa Niakhaté, Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, and forward Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament.
Below is the full list of 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 DÃaz (Morocco)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
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