The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with three Nigerian players earning places in the prestigious Best XI.
The 2025 AFCON concluded on Sunday night as Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final, securing a second continental title for the Teranga Lions.
As expected, the champions dominated the selection. Senegal accounted for the bulk of the squad, reflecting their consistency and control throughout the competition. Nigeria also received notable recognition, with three Super Eagles players rewarded following their impressive campaign that ended in a third-place finish.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead Nigeria’s inclusions. Osimhen was a constant threat in attack, scoring four goals and providing two assists, while his strength and movement unsettled opposing defences. Lookman also impressed, contributing three goals and four assists with his creativity and efficiency in the final third. Left-back Bruno Onyemaechi completes Nigeria’s representation in the team.
However, the selection has sparked debate among Nigerian fans, particularly over the omission of Calvin Bassey. The defender delivered commanding performances in the knockout stages, including the semi-final clash against Morocco, leading many to believe he deserved a spot.
Defensively, CAF’s choices largely favoured the two finalists, with Senegal and Morocco filling most of the positions. The midfield selection also highlighted Senegal’s dominance, as the champions dictated the tempo of matches throughout the tournament.
In goal, Édouard Mendy was selected after an outstanding campaign that saw him keep five clean sheets and record the highest save percentage among goalkeepers who played at least three matches.
Mendy is joined by fellow Senegalese players Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye, all of whom played key roles in the team’s balance and success. Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament, completes Senegal’s strong presence after leading by example with his work rate and attacking influence.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia also earned places in the Best XI, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui was selected despite the Atlas Lions falling short in the final. Morocco, however, still picked up individual honours, with Brahim Díaz winning the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou named Best Goalkeeper, and the team receiving the Fair Play Award.
CAF AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper:
Édouard Mendy
Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui
Rami Rabia
Bruno Onyemaechi
Krépin Diatta
Midfielders:
Mamadou Sangare
Idrissa Gueye
Forwards:
Mohamed Salah
Ademola Lookman
Sadio Mané
Victor Osimhen
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with three Nigerian players earning places in the prestigious Best XI.
The 2025 AFCON concluded on Sunday night as Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final, securing a second continental title for the Teranga Lions.
As expected, the champions dominated the selection. Senegal accounted for the bulk of the squad, reflecting their consistency and control throughout the competition. Nigeria also received notable recognition, with three Super Eagles players rewarded following their impressive campaign that ended in a third-place finish.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead Nigeria’s inclusions. Osimhen was a constant threat in attack, scoring four goals and providing two assists, while his strength and movement unsettled opposing defences. Lookman also impressed, contributing three goals and four assists with his creativity and efficiency in the final third. Left-back Bruno Onyemaechi completes Nigeria’s representation in the team.
However, the selection has sparked debate among Nigerian fans, particularly over the omission of Calvin Bassey. The defender delivered commanding performances in the knockout stages, including the semi-final clash against Morocco, leading many to believe he deserved a spot.
Defensively, CAF’s choices largely favoured the two finalists, with Senegal and Morocco filling most of the positions. The midfield selection also highlighted Senegal’s dominance, as the champions dictated the tempo of matches throughout the tournament.
In goal, Édouard Mendy was selected after an outstanding campaign that saw him keep five clean sheets and record the highest save percentage among goalkeepers who played at least three matches.
Mendy is joined by fellow Senegalese players Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye, all of whom played key roles in the team’s balance and success. Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament, completes Senegal’s strong presence after leading by example with his work rate and attacking influence.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia also earned places in the Best XI, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui was selected despite the Atlas Lions falling short in the final. Morocco, however, still picked up individual honours, with Brahim Díaz winning the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou named Best Goalkeeper, and the team receiving the Fair Play Award.
CAF AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper:
Édouard Mendy
Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui
Rami Rabia
Bruno Onyemaechi
Krépin Diatta
Midfielders:
Mamadou Sangare
Idrissa Gueye
Forwards:
Mohamed Salah
Ademola Lookman
Sadio Mané
Victor Osimhen
Leave a comment