Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been named in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Team of the Group Stage, with Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle also recognised after leading his side to a perfect record.
The team was unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday, following the conclusion of the group stage. Nigeria were one of the standout teams, winning all three matches to finish with nine points.
In goal, Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy earned the nod after conceding just once and keeping a clean sheet, while producing several key saves during the group phase.
The defence features Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba alongside DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe, with Tunisia’s Ali Abdi and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui completing the back line.
Lookman was listed in midfield after delivering four goal contributions, the joint-highest tally in the group stage. He scored twice and provided two assists in two games as Nigeria cruised through the group stage.
The 28-year-old is joined by Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who also impressed with decisive performances. Baleba was at the heart of Cameroon’s midfield as the Indomitable Lions claimed two wins and a draw, while Diaz was the driving force in Morocco’s attack, ending the group stage with three goals.
The forward line includes Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, and Senegal captain Sadio Mane.
Mahrez netted three times for Algeria, who alongside Nigeria finished with a perfect record in the group. Amad impressed with two goals for Ivory Coast, while Mane finished with two-goal contributions.
11 of the very best. 🌟
Your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 team of the group stage is here!#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NqGAkYXPvw
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 2, 2026
Attention now shifts to the Round of 16, which begins on Saturday, with Senegal facing Sudan before Mali and Tunisia lock horns. On Sunday, hosts Morocco will tackle Tanzania, while South Africa will face Cameroon in a high-profile clash.
Elsewhere, Egypt are up against Benin Republic, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles are scheduled to face Mozambique as they continue their push for a fourth continental crown. The round of 16 comes to a close on Tuesday, with Algeria facing DR Congo and Ivory Coast set for Burkina Faso.
