The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has listed three Nigerians — Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman — in its Best XI for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
CAF released the list, dominated by Nigerians, Senegalese and Moroccans on Wednesday morning, about three days after the tournament.
Osimhen featured in six games for the Super Eagles as the three-time African champions won bronze in Morocco. The Galatasary forward scored four goals in the competition.
His compatriot and Atalanta winger, Lookman, had the most goals involvement at the AFCON, netting three and providing four assists.
For Fulham’s Bassey, his inclusion was not a fluke. The former Rangers man was a wall in the Nigerian defence, helping the team keep three clean sheets in the six matches he played.
The defender played all minutes for Coach Eric Chelle’s side in Morocco but did not take part in the third-place play-off after being suspended.
While the Nigerians had three persons on the list, runners up Morocco and winners Senegal also dominated the team of the competition.
For DÃaz, despite missing a late penalty in the final, he was one of Morocco’s most influential players and finished AFCON 2025 as the Golden Boot winner.
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Nigeria’s strong showing at the tournament is further reflected with Ademola Lookman included in midfield. Lookman finished as the competition’s top assist provider with four assists and played a key role in Nigeria’s attacking dominance, as the Super Eagles ended the tournament with the highest number of goals scored (14).
Senegal’s Pape Gueye, who scored the winning goal in the final against Morocco, also makes the midfield alongside compatriot Idrissa Gueye, underlining Senegal’s control and balance in the centre of the pitch during their title run.
At the back, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui were selected at right-back and left-back respectively, highlighting the hosts’ defensive strength. Senegal centre-back Moussa Niakhaté joins Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey in central defence after both players impressed with their physical presence and composure.
In goal, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, popularly known as Bono, was an easy choice. The experienced goalkeeper won the Golden Glove award after keeping five clean sheets, the joint-highest at the tournament.