•Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been named among the best players in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – the only Nigerian player in the team – while Eric Chelle was picked as the best coach, after three rounds of matches.
The group stage XI was released by the Confederation of African Football today, reports The PUNCH.
Lookman, who has two goals and two assists in two matches at the tournament, was named in a three-man midfield alongside Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba.
He scored his first goal of the tournament with the match-winner against Tanzania in Nigeria’s first game, while he also bagged two assists and a goal in the 3-2 win over Tunisia in the second game.
According to CAF, the forward has functioned with the instinct of a midfielder at the tournament, making him one of the most dangerous players so far.
“The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman, was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, and his movement off the ball was a nightmare for defenders.
“Lookman’s intelligence in finding pockets of space and his ability to produce key passes in critical moments made him one of the group stage’s most dangerous players,” CAF wrote.
Nigeria’s coach, Chelle, who guided the team to the top of their group table with three wins, was also named the best coach of the group stage.
Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Nigerian national team displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure. Chelle’s approach was marked by a solid defensive setup, quick transitions, and giving attacking players the freedom to express themselves.
“His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play. Chelle’s ability to maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage,” CAF also wrote about the coach’s inclusion.
Egypt’s 36-year-old goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was named as the best goalkeeper of the group stage campaign.
The defence line has Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco).
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo leads a three-man attack, and he is flanked by Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané and Algeria capital Riyad Mahrez.
Diallo, who plays for Manchester United, has scored two goals at the tournament, Mane has one goal, while Mahrez leads the scoring chart with three goals in two matches.
The battle for supremacy continues tomorrow in Morocco with two rounds of 16 matches.
Champions in 2019, Senegal will face Sudan in the first game in Tangier, while Mali and Tunisia will also lock horns in Casablanca.
Nigeria will play Mozambique in another round of 16 game on Monday in Fes.
