Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey Named in AFCON 2025 Team of Tournament
By Wellington Jopelo
The Confederation of African Football has unveiled the official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, after Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time in the final on January 18. The Best XI features top performers from across the competition, with Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria dominating the selection.
According to CAF, the list was drawn up by its Technical Study Group after a detailed assessment of players’ performances throughout the tournament. The selection focused on consistency, overall influence and quality displayed in each position from the group stage to the final.
Champions Senegal and runners-up Morocco each placed four players in the team, while Nigeria, who finished third, had three representatives — Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey — reflecting the Super Eagles’ impressive campaign.
The AFCON 2025 Best XI includes Yassine Bounou of Morocco in goal. The defence is made up of Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui of Morocco, Calvin Bassey of Nigeria, and Senegal’s Moussa Niakhaté. In midfield are Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye, alongside Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
The attacking line features Senegal captain Sadio Mané, Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, and Morocco forward Brahim Díaz, who emerged as the tournament’s top scorer. Mané’s influence and leadership throughout the competition earned him widespread recognition as the standout player of the tournament.
CAF explained that the team was selected using a combination of live match data, video analysis and on-site evaluations to ensure a balanced and objective review. The final lineup reflects Senegal’s dominance, Morocco’s strong home performance, and Nigeria’s depth and attacking threat at AFCON 2025.