Osimhen, Lookman, Mané Named in Official AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been named in the official AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament, alongside Senegal captain Sadio Mané, following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the Best XI on Wednesday, recognising the standout performers from a tournament widely praised for its intensity, quality and dramatic moments.

Despite finishing third overall, the Super Eagles enjoyed strong representation in the selection, with Nigeria placing one player each in defence, midfield and attack—an indication of the team’s impressive campaign in Rabat.

Fresh champions Senegal dominated the list after clinching their second AFCON title. Their triumph was spearheaded by Mané, who was also crowned Player of the Tournament after delivering a series of decisive and inspirational performances. The former Liverpool forward captained the Teranga Lions with authority, playing a central role in their title-winning run.

Mané leads a formidable attacking trio that includes Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, who finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner with five goals.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s talisman, was a constant threat to opposition defences throughout the competition. Combining pace, physical strength and intelligent movement, the Napoli striker scored four goals as Nigeria reached the semi-finals. The Super Eagles were narrowly edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties before going on to secure the bronze medal.

Although Díaz missed a late penalty in Morocco’s final defeat to Senegal, the Real Madrid forward remained one of the competition’s most influential players and ended the tournament as its top scorer.

Nigeria’s presence in the Best XI was further strengthened by Ademola Lookman, who earned selection after an outstanding midfield display. The winger finished as AFCON 2025’s top assist provider with four assists and was instrumental in Nigeria emerging as the tournament’s highest-scoring team, with 14 goals.

Senegal’s midfield duo of Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye were also included, reflecting the balance, discipline and control that underpinned their championship-winning campaign. Pape Gueye capped his tournament by scoring the winning goal in the final against Morocco.

In defence, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui were selected at right-back and left-back respectively, while Senegal centre-back Moussa Niakhaté partnered Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence after both delivered composed and commanding performances.

Between the posts, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was an automatic inclusion. Popularly known as Bono, he won the Golden Glove after keeping five clean sheets—the joint-highest tally at the tournament.

AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

Goalkeeper:
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

Defenders:
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal)
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Midfielders:
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

Forwards:
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Sadio Mané (Senegal)