Lookman makes AFCON group stage best XI as Chelle is named best coach

Ademola Lookman has been included among the best players in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 28-year-old winger is the only Nigerian player selected in the AFCON line-up of best performers during the group phase, according to the list released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday.

Lookman scored two goals and assisted twice as Nigeria waltzed into the round of 16 with nine maximum points from three games in Group C.

The Atalanta player scored the winner in the opener against Tanzania, before scoring a brilliant third goal in Nigeria’s victory over Tunisia.

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, was also named the best manager during the group stage for his team’s performance.

Morocco had two players, Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui, included in the best eleven, with Cote d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo leading the attack.

‎Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez complete the attack, while Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy is selected in goal.

‎Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba, Axel Tuanzebe of Congo DR, Ali Abdi of Tunisia, and Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba complete the best XI.

The second round of the 2025 AFCON will begin on December 3. Nigeria will face Mozambique on December 5.