Lookman and Osimhen join Brahim Diaz in AFCON 2025 Best XI, Iwobi missing

Jan 21, 2026 - 14:30

The AFCON 2025 tournament was concluded on Sunday, with Senegal claiming victory against the host nation Morocco in the most dramatic fashion, Soccernet.ng reports.

CAF, on their official social media page, revealed the tournament's best eleven, including some household names, while other key players were omitted.

Alex Iwobi, for all of his creativity in Morocco, was not included in the AFCON 2025 team of the tournament, but three Nigerian players were involved – Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman.

Calvin Chinedu Bassey, and Alexander Chuka Iwobi celebrate during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Tunisia and the Super Eagles of Nigeria — Calvin Chinedu Bassey and Alexander Chuka Iwobi celebrate during the Africa Cup of Nations match between Tunisia and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Fes Stadium on December 27, 2025, in Fes, Morocco. Photo by Thor Wegner/Imago

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Lookman, Osimhen join Brahim Diaz in AFCON 2025

1. Yassine Bounou

The Moroccan goalkeeper was the AFCON 2025 goalkeeper tournament, and deservedly so. The 34-year-old kept seven clean sheets in five games, and his expertise in the penalty shoot-out against Nigeria sent the host nation to the final.

Yassine Bounou during the match between Morocco vs Tanzania in the African Cup of Nations 2025 – Group B at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco. Copyright: ImagoxMohamedxTageldinx

2. Achraf Hakimi

The 2025 African Player of the Year went into the AFCON 2025 tournament with a broken foot, missing the first two games for Walid Regragui's men.

He returned to the starting lineup in the round of 16 clash against Tanzania, and as team captain, his presence helped Morocco in their run to the final, aiding Brahim Diaz on the right flank.

Hakimi celebrating with his teammate after Morocco knocked Spain out of the World Cup — Hakimi is celebrating with his teammate after Morocco knocked Spain out of the World Cup via a penalty shootout. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

3. Moussa Niakhaté

The former Nottingham Forest centre-back played six of seven games for Senegal at the AFCON 2025 tournament, partnering Kalidou Koulibaly in defence.

Senegal kept three clean sheets in Morocco with Niakhate on the pitch, and he put in a brilliant shift against the host nation in the final.

4. Calvin Bassey

The Fulham defender was the centre-back at the AFCON, unarguably. He played six games for Eric Chelle's in Morocco as they kept four clean sheets in his six appearances.

Away from his defending, the former Rangers man was key in the buildup play employed by the Nigerian coach. He missed the third-place game against Egypt due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Akor Adams, Calvin Bassey celebrate goal during the AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria — Akor Adams and Calvin Bassey celebrate a goal during the AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria at the Grand Stade on January 10th, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

5. Noussair Mazraoui

The Manchester United full-back started the AFCON at right back before switching to the left upon Achraf Hakimi's return.

He provided the assist for the tournament's opening goal, while switching on defensively in the knockout games for the Atlas Lions.

6. Idrissa Gueye

At 36, the Evertonian bossed the midfield for Senegal in Morocco, playing every minute of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

He made the team tick, dictating tempo and switching play where necessary, but most importantly, set up Pape Gueye's goal against Morocco in the final.

Neil El Aynaoui and Ismaila Sarr during the AFCON Final match between Senegal and Morocco at Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18th in Rabat, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

7. Ademola Lookman

Lookman ended the AFCON 2025 as the player with the most goal contributions in Morocco, scoring three goals and setting up another four for his teammates.

Without a doubt, the England-born attacker loves the AFCON. In 13 games across two tournaments, the 28-year-old has scored six goals and five assists.

Ademola Lookman in action for the Super Eagles of Nigeria — Ademola Lookman. Photo by Segun Ogunfeyitimi Copyright: xshengolpixsximago.

8. Pape Gueye

Simply relentless in running, Gueye's place in the AFCON 2025 best eleven is no less than deserved. The Villareal midfielder has a burst of energy barely anyone in the tournament could match.

Additionally, he's technically astute, and his brilliant goal against Morocco in the final is a testament to that.

Sadio Mane celebrates lifting the trophy during the Africa Cup of Nations Final between Senegal and Egypt at Stade d Olembe, Yaounde, CMR 06/02/2022. Copyright: ImagoxSFSIx

9. Sadio Mane

The former Liverpool winger was the AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament. He scored two goals and provided three assists in the Teranga Lions' run to the gold medal in Morocco.

Most importantly, the one-time UEFA Champions League winner showed what it means to be a leader on the football pitch.

Victor Osimhen during the Africa Cup Of Nations Quarter-final match between Algeria and Nigeria at Marrakesh Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Marrakech, Morocco. Copyright: ImagoxSFSIx

10. Victor Osimhen

The 2023 AFCON Player of the Year was keen on making a mark after an underwhelming outing in Ivory Coast two years ago, and that he did.

Osimhen scored four goals in Nigeria's run to the AFCON semi-final, before an injury against Morocco knocked him off course.

Brahim Diaz during the AFCON Final match between Senegal and Morocco at Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18th in Rabat, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

11. Brahim Diaz

The Real Madrid winger has took the AFCON 2025 by storm. He was the competition's leading goalscorer (5), and has scored in every game leading up until the quarter final.

The only dent Diaz's tournament had was the panenka miss against Senegal, but Alex Iwobi urged the ex-Man City man to put his failures behind him.