AFCON 2025 Best XI: Osimhen, Bassey, Lookman shine as CAF unveils Team of the Tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released its Best XI for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the players who shaped the tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria were well represented, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey earning places in the prestigious selection after the Super Eagles finished third. The list was largely dominated by players from champions Senegal, runners-up Morocco, and bronze medallists Nigeria, underlining their influence across the competition.

CAF unveiled the team days after the final, offering a snapshot of excellence across defence, midfield and attack.

Osimhen leads Nigeria’s presence

Victor Osimhen’s inclusion came as little surprise. The Galatasaray striker played six matches for Nigeria, scoring four goals and spearheading the Super Eagles’ attack throughout the tournament.

His physical presence, movement and ability to draw defenders created space for teammates, even in matches where goals were scarce. Osimhen’s performances were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the semi-finals and eventual bronze-medal finish, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s elite forwards.

Lookman’s All-Round Brilliance

Ademola Lookman emerged as one of AFCON 2025’s most complete attacking players. The Atalanta winger finished the tournament with the highest goal involvement, contributing three goals and four assists.

Beyond the numbers, Lookman consistently drove Nigeria’s attacking transitions, linking midfield and attack with pace and intelligence. His creativity proved decisive in tight encounters, making him a natural choice for CAF’s Team of the Tournament.

Bassey’s Defensive Authority

Calvin Bassey completed Nigeria’s trio after delivering a commanding defensive campaign. The Fulham centre-back played every minute of Nigeria’s matches up to the semi-finals, helping the Super Eagles keep three clean sheets.

Bassey’s blend of strength, recovery speed and positional awareness made him a cornerstone of Nigeria’s back line. Although he missed the third-place playoff due to suspension, his impact across the competition had already cemented his place among the tournament’s best defenders.

Senegal and Morocco dominate the selection

While Nigeria claimed three spots, Senegal and Morocco dominated the Best XI, each supplying four players.

Senegal’s representation reflected their march to the title, with players excelling in high-pressure moments and delivering consistency across knockout rounds. Morocco, despite falling short in the final on home soil, were rewarded for their tactical discipline, defensive structure and technical quality throughout the competition.

Together, the three nations accounted for the entire selection, highlighting their collective influence on AFCON 2025.

AFCON 2025 CAF Best XI (Full List)

CAF’s official Best XI features players from Nigeria, Senegal and Morocco, selected based on overall performance, consistency and impact across the tournament.

(Note: Positions listed reflect CAF’s tactical balance rather than rigid formations.)

• Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Senegal)
• Defenders:
  • Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
  • Nayef Aguerd (Morocco)
  • Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
  • Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
• Midfielders:
  • Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
  • Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)
  • Pape Gueye (Senegal)
• Forwards:
  • Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
  • Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
  • Sadio Mané (Senegal)

CAF Best XI

A Reflection of AFCON 2025’s Narrative

CAF’s Best XI mirrors the story of AFCON 2025 — a tournament defined by tactical battles, narrow margins and individual brilliance. Nigeria’s trio symbolised resilience and attacking flair, Senegal’s contingent embodied championship composure, while Morocco’s players showcased structure and technical control.

For Osimhen, Bassey and Lookman, the recognition caps a campaign that reaffirmed Nigeria’s place among Africa’s elite and set the tone for the Super Eagles heading into future continental and global competitions.

SportsLigue