The Super Eagles have earned recognition ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen both named in the Pre-Tournament Afcon 2025 Best XI.

The selection, compiled by CBS Sports Golazo, highlights standout performers from across the continent who are expected to play decisive roles when the tournament gets underway in Morocco. 

South Africa's Rowen Williams anchors the team in goal, rewarded for his consistency and composure at international level. 

The defensive line features a blend of power, experience and versatility, with Nigeria's Calvin Bassey joined by Evan Ndicka of Ivory Coast, Chancel Mbemba of DR Congo and Morocco's marauding right-back Achraf Hakimi.

In midfield, Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr is selected alongside South Africa's influential player Teboho Mokoena and Morocco international Ismael Saibari.

The forward line is led by some of Africa's most feared attacking talents, including Senegal icon Sadio Mané, Nigeria’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen and Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo.

Speaking on Bassey’s inclusion, former Sierra Leone international and CBS Sports Golazo analyst Michael Lahoud praised the Fulham defender for his versatility.

"The backline is where my picks are going to be pretty stable. Calvin Bassey is an interesting option at left-back,” Lahoud said.

"He can play left-back and has played there at different times. I know Fulham fans will definitely miss him in the Carabao Cup."

Osimhen’s selection comes as little surprise, with the Galatasaray striker widely regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in world football and a key figure in Nigeria's Afcon ambitions.

Bassey and Osimhen did not participate in the Super Eagles' 2-1 defeat to Egypt in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly held in Cairo on Tuesday evening.