The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revealed its “Best 11” for the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), highlighting a dominant performance by the Nigerian contingent. Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman and head coach Eric Chelle were among the top honorees selected following the conclusion of the tournament’s opening round on New Year’s Eve.
Lookman, who has been statistically rated as the best player of the competition so far with an average performance rating of 8.36, secured his spot in the midfield alongside Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba. The Nigerian star’s inclusion follows an exceptional run where he contributed two goals and two assists in critical fixtures. Additionally, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle was named the best coach of the group stage after masterminding a perfect record of three wins for the Nigerian side.
Okay News reports that the defensive lineup is anchored by Egyptian veteran Mohamed El Shenawy in goal, supported by a back four consisting of Noussair Mazraoui, Axel Tuanzebe, Edmond Tapsoba, and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi. The forward line features legendary figures Sadio Mane of Senegal and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria, with Cote d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo positioned as the central attacker to complete the elite squad.
The selection has sparked significant debate among football enthusiasts across the continent. Many fans have questioned the exclusion of high-performing individuals such as Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi, who netted three goals in the opening round, as well as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey. Criticism was also directed at the tactical arrangement of the team, particularly the placement of Amad Diallo in a centre-forward role despite his traditional position on the wing.
Despite the controversy, the announcement sets the stage for the highly anticipated Round of 16, which is scheduled to commence on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with Nigeria preparing to face Mozambique.
