Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey named in AFCON 2025 team of the tournament

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has officially unveiled the Best XI for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey earning places in the Team of the Tournament.

The selection was released days after Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final played on January 18, sealing their second continental title.

Nigeria trio earn CAF recognition after strong tournament showing

Senegal and Morocco dominated the list, each contributing four players, while Nigeria, who finished third, had three representatives.

CAF said the team was selected following a detailed technical assessment conducted throughout the tournament by its Technical Study Group, TSG, which evaluated players based on consistency, influence and tactical contribution across all matches.

According to the football body, “The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, featuring standout performers such as Yassine Bounou, Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mané.”

Senegal, Morocco dominate Best XI selection following AFCON final

Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, who conceded just two goals in seven matches, was named between the sticks, alongside defenders Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui.

Senegal’s Moussa Niakhaté also made the backline, while Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey completed the defence.

In midfield, Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye were selected, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman joining them after an impressive tournament run.

The attacking trio comprised Senegal captain Sadio Mané, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, who finished as the competition’s top scorer.

CAF noted that the evaluation process combined live data platforms, multi-angle video analysis and on-site technical reports to ensure objectivity.