Ademola Lookman and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle have received recognition for Nigeria’s outstanding group-stage performance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

Lookman was named in the CAF AFCON 2025 Best XI of the group stage after an influential showing that underlined his importance to Nigeria’s attacking play.

The Atalanta forward registered two goals and two assists across the group matches, playing a decisive role as the Super Eagles secured a perfect record in Group C.

The CAF Best XI highlights some of the tournament’s most consistent and influential performers.

Alongside Lookman, the group stage team includes goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt); defenders Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco); midfielders Brahim Diaz (Morocco) and Carlos Baleba (Cameroon); and forwards Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Sadio Mané (Senegal).

Nigeria finished top of Group C with nine points after victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, booking their place in the knockout rounds as one of the most convincing sides of the group stage.

The Super Eagles combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline, conceding few clear chances across their three matches.

Head coach Eric Chelle was also recognised for Nigeria’s impressive showing, earning praise as the best-performing coach of the group stage.

Eric Chelle’s tactical organisation, squad management and game-to-game adjustments were widely credited for Nigeria’s flawless group campaign.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to the AFCON round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Mozambique on Monday, January 5, 2026. With momentum firmly on their side, the Super Eagles will be aiming to extend their strong form as the tournament moves into the knockout stages.

Wale Adejumo