Nigeria’s return to the podium at the Africa Cup of Nations ended not only with a hard-earned bronze medal, but with individual recognition as three Super Eagles stars have been named in the official CAF Team of the Tournament for the 2025 edition.
Following an exhaustive technical review by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey were selected for their exceptional performances throughout the competition — a testament to their influence in Nigeria’s most successful AFCON campaign in years.
The TSG utilized a highly advanced, fully integrated evaluation system during the tournament, combining remote and on-site observations with real-time data analytics, multi-angle video feeds, and insights from dedicated video analysts. This data-driven approach ensured a fair, objective, and comprehensive assessment of every player’s impact — and the inclusion of these three Nigerian stars speaks volumes about their consistency and quality.
Victor Osimhen: The Unrelenting Force Up Top
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen was a constant menace to defenses, playing in six of Nigeria’s seven matches and scoring four crucial goals at an impressive rate — one goal every 135 minutes on average.
The talismanic striker wasn’t just scoring; he was dominating. Osimhen registered 3.5 shots per game, with 1.7 on target, showcasing his ability to create and convert chances under pressure. His goals were a masterclass in versatility: two were headed efforts, one fired with his right foot, and another calmly slotted with his left — proving he can finish from any position.
His physicality, aerial prowess, and relentless pressing made him a nightmare for defenders. His leadership and ability to draw attention allowed teammates to thrive, underlining why he was not only Nigeria’s top scorer but also a key cog in the tournament’s Best XI.
Ademola Lookman: The Creative Engine
Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman emerged as one of the most influential players of AFCON 2025, recording three goals and four assists across five appearances — leading the tournament in total goal contributions.
With a 25% goal conversion rate and an average of 2.7 key passes per game, Lookman was the creative heartbeat of the Super Eagles’ attack. He created five big chances, demonstrating his sharp vision and composure in the final third.
Whether cutting inside from the left flank or drifting into central pockets, Lookman consistently found space and unlocked defenses. His high passing accuracy and intelligent movement linked midfield and attack seamlessly, making him indispensable during Nigeria’s knockout-stage resurgence.
His all-around brilliance didn’t go unnoticed — in a tournament filled with star attackers, Lookman stood tall as one of Africa’s most complete forwards.
Calvin Bassey: The Rock at the Back
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey played every minute of Nigeria’s campaign until his suspension in the third-place playoff against Egypt — a sign of how vital he was to the Eagles’ defensive foundation.
Deployed as a left-sided centre-back in the 3-5-2 system, Bassey was instrumental in Nigeria’s impenetrable defense, which recorded clean sheets in all knockout matches — a remarkable feat against some of Africa’s most potent attacks.
His stats tell a story of discipline and consistency: 5.3 balls recovered per game, 3.2 clearances, and a 61% success rate in duels. Most impressively, Bassey committed zero errors leading to shots or goals — a clean sheet in decision-making that coaches dream of.
His positioning, tackling, and ability to step into midfield with the ball made him much more than just a defender; he was a stabilizing force in a backline that silenced critics and opponents alike.
A Balanced Tournament XI
The full CAF Team of the Tournament was dominated by players from the two finalists — Senegal and Morocco, who each had four representatives.
Morocco’s run to the final was anchored by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who conceded just two goals in seven games, and powered forward by Brahim Díaz, the tournament’s top scorer. Captain Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui formed a dynamic right-flank partnership that terrorized defenses throughout.
Senegal, crowned champions for the second time in their history, were rewarded with four inclusions: stalwart defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfield generals Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, and talisman Sadio Mané, who claimed the Player of the Tournament award after leading the Lions of Teranga to glory with clutch performances and leadership.
A Bright Future for Nigerian Football
While Nigeria fell short of lifting the trophy, the bronze medal — coupled with three players in the official Best XI — signals a resurgence for the Super Eagles.
Osimhen, Lookman, and Bassey embody the perfect blend of youth, talent, and experience. Their presence on the continent’s biggest stage and their recognition by CAF’s technical experts affirm that Nigeria is back among Africa’s elite.
As the nation celebrates this achievement, the focus now turns to building on this momentum — not just for the next AFCON, but for World Cup qualification and beyond.
One thing is clear: the Super Eagles are soaring again, and their stars are shining brighter than ever.
CAF AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament (4-3-3):
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal), Dayot Upamecano (Senegal), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal), Pape Gueye (Senegal), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Brahim Díaz (Morocco), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) named as additional defender in extended technical report
Note: The final formation reflects flexible positional roles, with Bassey acknowledged in a three-defender system.
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