CAF Unveils AFCON 2025 Team Of The Tournament As Three Super Eagles Stars Make The Cut

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), celebrating the standout performers of the competition.

The tournament came to a close on Sunday night as Senegal edged host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final, securing their second AFCON title and capping off a dominant campaign by the Teranga Lions.

As expected, Senegal led the selections in the Best XI, reflecting their control and consistency throughout the tournament. Nigeria also received notable recognition, with three Super Eagles players named following their impressive run to a third-place finish.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were Nigeria’s headline inclusions. Osimhen registered four goals and two assists, using his strength, pace and movement to trouble opposing defences. Lookman was equally influential, contributing three goals and four assists while driving Nigeria’s attacking play. Left-back Bruno Onyemaechi rounded off Nigeria’s representation in the team.

However, the list has sparked debate among Nigerian fans, particularly over the omission of Calvin Bassey. The defender delivered several commanding displays in the knockout stages, including a strong showing in the semi-final against Morocco, leading many to believe he deserved a spot.

Defensively, CAF’s selections largely favoured the finalists, with Senegal and Morocco occupying most of the slots at the back. The midfield choices also highlighted Senegal’s dominance in controlling games across the tournament.

In goal, Édouard Mendy was selected after an outstanding campaign that saw him keep five clean sheets and record the best save percentage among goalkeepers who featured in at least three matches.

Mendy was joined by fellow Senegalese stars Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye, all of whom played key roles in the team’s balance and structure. Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament, completed Senegal’s strong presence after leading by example with his performances and work rate.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia were also included in the Best XI, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui made the list despite the hosts narrowly missing out on the title. Morocco still claimed multiple honours, with Brahim Díaz winning the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou named Best Goalkeeper, and the Atlas Lions receiving the Fair Play Award.

CAF AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

Goalkeeper:
Édouard Mendy

Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui
Rami Rabia
Bruno Onyemaechi
Krépin Diatta

Midfielders:
Mamadou Sangare
Idrissa Gueye

Forwards:
Mohamed Salah
Ademola Lookman
Sadio Mané
Victor Osimhen