Three Nigeria players have been named in the official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a comprehensive technical review by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG).
Striker Victor Osimhen, winger Ademola Lookman and defender Calvin Bassey earned selection after standout performances that helped the Super Eagles secure third place at the competition.
According to CAF, the TSG employed a fully integrated evaluation system throughout the tournament, combining remote and on-site assessments, live data platforms, multi-angle video feeds and dedicated video analysts. This method ensured that all players’ contributions were assessed objectively across matches.
Osimhen, played six of Nigeria’s seven games, scored four goals at an average of one goal every 135 minutes.
The Galatasaray forward registered 3.5 shots per game with 1.7 on target and scored two headed goals, one right-footed and one left-footed. His consistent attacking threat underlined why he was included in the Best XI.
Lookman, who featured in five of the matches, contributed three goals and four assists, creating five big chances and averaging 2.7 key passes per game.
The winger led goal contribution in the tournament s he combined scoring with creativity, registering a 25 per cent goal conversion rate and high passing accuracy, which demonstrates his influence in both the final third and build-up play.
Bassey played every minute as Nigeria’s left sided centre-back until his suspension for the third place match against Egypt and was central to their defensive solidity that kept clean sheets in all knockout games.
The Fulham defender averaged 5.3 balls recovered per game, 3.2 clearances and winning 61 per cent of his duels. He committed no errors leading to shots or goals.
The overall Team of the Tournament was dominated by finalists Senegal and Morocco, with four players each from the two sides.
Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou impressed with just two goals conceded in seven matches, while forward Brahim Díaz led the tournament in scoring, including captain Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui at both flanks as full backs.
Senegal, crowned champions for a second time, contributed defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfielders Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, and forward Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament.
