Fez, Morocco – January 2, 2026
Nigeria's Super Eagles delivered one of the most impressive group-stage performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, topping Group C with a perfect record of nine points and advancing to the Round of 16, where they will face Mozambique on January 5. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognized their dominance by naming forward Ademola Lookman as the only Nigerian player in the official Group Stage Best XI and head coach Eric Chelle as the top manager of the phase.
Lookman, the Atalanta winger, was rewarded for his standout contributions, registering two goals and two assists across Nigeria's first two matches before being rested for the final group game. Operating flexibly between wide areas and advanced midfield roles, the 28-year-old consistently threatened defenses with direct runs, creativity, and precise finishing. His man-of-the-match display in the 3-2 victory over Tunisia—where he scored once and assisted twice—highlighted his influence, earning praise from CAF for his "intelligence in finding pockets of space" and ability to produce "key passes in critical moments."
CAF unveiled the Best XI on January 2 via its official channels, selecting the team in a 3-4-3 formation to reflect the tournament's standout performers. The lineup features:
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
- Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
- Midfielders: Yassine Abdi (Tunisia), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
- Forwards: Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Eric Chelle, the Mali-born coach guiding Nigeria, was also honored for his tactical acumen. CAF noted his "clear vision and consistent choices" in fostering a balanced, attacking style that saw the Super Eagles score eight goals—the highest tally in the group stage—while maintaining defensive solidity.
Nigeria's campaign began with a 2-1 win over Tanzania on December 23, where Lookman scored the decisive goal. They followed with a thrilling 3-2 triumph against Tunisia on December 27, featuring goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Lookman. The group concluded with a rotated squad securing a 3-1 victory over Uganda on December 30, captained by Osimhen, with Raphael Onyedika netting a brace.
The Super Eagles' eight goals marked their most prolific group-stage output since 2008, averaging 2.67 per game and underscoring their attacking potency under Chelle. This flawless run—only matched by Algeria—positions Nigeria as one of the tournament favorites as they seek a fourth AFCON title, their first since 2013.
However, the omission of striker Victor Osimhen from the Best XI sparked discussion among fans and analysts. The Galatasaray forward, who started all three matches and captained the team against Uganda, scored once (against Tunisia) and provided leadership, but his relatively limited goal tally in the group phase—compared to Lookman's direct involvements—likely influenced the selection. Osimhen's overall contribution, including hold-up play and pressing, remained crucial to Nigeria's success.
Lookman's inclusion caps a remarkable rise at AFCON tournaments. Across the 2023 and 2025 editions, he has been directly involved in eight goals (five scored, three assisted) in nine appearances—more than any other player in that span. His form has drawn comparisons to his breakout 2023 campaign, where he helped Nigeria reach the final.
As the tournament transitions to the knockout stage in Morocco, Nigeria faces Mozambique in Fez—a side making its debut in the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F. The Mambas secured progression with a historic 3-2 win over Gabon, ending a 40-year AFCON victory drought. Nigeria holds a strong historical edge, winning four of five previous encounters.
Chelle's side enters the matchup with momentum, bolstered by a talented squad featuring stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi. Analysts highlight Nigeria's rapid recovery from missing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, crediting Chelle's management for instilling cohesion and attacking flair.
The 2025 AFCON, hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, has seen 87 goals across the group stage, reflecting high competitive quality. With heavyweights like Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, and hosts Morocco also advancing strongly, the knockout rounds promise intense battles.
Nigeria's perfect group stage has set a strong foundation, and with Lookman's recognition underscoring individual brilliance within a collective effort, the Super Eagles are poised to challenge deeply in their quest for glory.
