Confederation of African Football, CAF, has released the Best XI and best coach of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, with Nigeria earning two places on the prestigious list.
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was named among the standout players, while Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, was selected as the best coach of the group stage.
CAF, in a statement issued on Friday, described the group phase of the tournament in Morocco as an electrifying showcase of African football talent. The organisers noted that several players distinguished themselves as match-winners for their respective countries.
Top performers included Mohamed El Shenawy, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Amad Diallo, whose contributions were pivotal to their teams’ progress. From El Shenawy’s commanding displays in goal to Mahrez’s leadership and creativity in attack, the selected players demonstrated quality, consistency, and influence on the continental stage.
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According to CAF, the Best XI recognises the most impactful performers whose displays set the tone for the knockout rounds of the competition.
Goalkeeper:
Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
At 36, Egypt captain Mohamed El Shenawy proved that experience remains invaluable. His composure, positioning, and leadership were crucial as Egypt navigated a demanding group stage, often producing decisive saves in high-pressure moments.
Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco)
Mazraoui excelled at right-back with his defensive discipline and attacking support, while Tuanzebe impressed with his strength, composure, and aerial dominance for DR Congo. Burkina Faso captain Tapsoba stood out for his anticipation, leadership, and ball-playing ability, while El Abdi delivered consistent performances on the left flank for Morocco.
Midfielders:
Brahim Diaz (Morocco), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Diaz was a creative force for Morocco, consistently unlocking defences with his vision and technical skill. Baleba brought power, balance, and tireless energy to Cameroon’s midfield, while Lookman’s versatility, movement, and creativity made him one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking outlets.
Forwards:
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Algeria captain Mahrez dictated play with intelligence and precision, Diallo thrilled with pace and flair for Ivory Coast, and Mané once again delivered leadership, pressing, and decisive contributions for Senegal.
Coach:
Eric Chelle (Nigeria)
Under Chelle’s guidance, Nigeria displayed tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and swift attacking transitions. His ability to organise the team while allowing attacking freedom earned him recognition as the standout coach of the group stage.
CAF noted that the Best XI reflects the depth, diversity, and growing quality of African football, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase at AFCON 2025.
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