Three Super Eagles stars make CAF AFCON 2025 Best XI

The Confederation of African Football has released its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, recognising the standout performers after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The selection reflects Senegal’s dominance across the competition, with the champions supplying the highest number of players in the Best XI, while Nigeria’s attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman also earned places following strong individual campaigns.

Nigeria finished the tournament in third place, and both forwards were among the most productive attackers.

Osimhen recorded four goals and two assists, while Lookman delivered three goals and four assists, underlining their importance to the Super Eagles’ run.

Nigeria well represented in attack

Despite Nigeria’s overall solid showing, defender Calvin Bassey was left out of the final CAF selection.

His omission came as a surprise in some quarters, particularly after his performances in the knockout rounds, including the semi-final clash against Morocco.

CAF’s defensive choices leaned heavily towards players from the finalists, with Senegal and Morocco accounting for most of the backline.

Nigeria’s only defensive representative in the team was Bruno Onyemaechi, who was selected at left-back.

The midfield was also dominated by Senegalese players, reflecting their control and consistency throughout the tournament.

Senegal dominate awards and selection

Senegal’s Édouard Mendy was named in goal, while Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye were all included in midfield and defensive roles.

Sadio Mané capped off his tournament by being named Player of the Tournament, after leading Senegal to their second AFCON title.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia were also selected, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui made the cut despite the hosts falling short in the final.

Morocco, however, claimed multiple individual honours. Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals to win the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou was named Best Goalkeeper, and the hosts received the Fair Play Award.

CAF AFCON 2025 team of the tournament

The final Best XI features: Édouard Mendy, Noussair Mazraoui, Rami Rabia, Bruno Onyemaechi, Krépin Diatta; Mamadou Sangare, Idrissa Gueye; Mohamed Salah, Ademola Lookman, Sadio Mané; and Victor Osimhen.

The selection closes the curtain on a tournament marked by high drama, strong individual displays and Senegal’s emergence as Africa’s leading force once again.