CAF Unveils AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament with Three Super Eagles Stars
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the Best XI from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded on January 18, 2026. This prestigious selection highlights the standout performers from the tournament, with Nigeria's Super Eagles securing three spots in the lineup. However, the exclusion of midfielder Alex Iwobi has generated significant discussion among football enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Senegal and Morocco Dominate the Selection
Following their victory in the final, Senegal leads the team with four players included in the CAF Best XI. The champions, who defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye, are represented by Player of the Tournament Sadio Mane, midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, match-winner Pape Gueye, and defender Moussa Niakhate. Morocco, as runners-up, also contributes four players to the squad: Goalkeeper of the Tournament Yassine Bono, defenders Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, and top scorer Brahim Diaz.
Super Eagles Trio Earn Recognition
Nigeria completes the team with three key players, showcasing their strong performance in the tournament. The Super Eagles, who claimed the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff, see attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, along with defender Calvin Bassey, named in the Best XI. This marks a notable achievement for Lookman, who makes the Team of the Tournament for the second consecutive time, having also been selected during his debut in the 2023 edition.
Controversial Omission of Alex Iwobi
Despite Nigeria's success, midfielder Alex Iwobi has been overlooked in the CAF selection, despite delivering a standout performance throughout the competition. Iwobi, often described as the orchestrator of the Super Eagles' midfield, played a crucial role in Nigeria's campaign, yet failed to secure a place in the Best XI. This snub has sparked protests from fans, who argue that his contributions warranted inclusion over some of the selected players.
Fan Reactions and Debates
The announcement has ignited debates on social media and among football communities, with particular focus on the inclusion of Morocco's captain Achraf Hakimi. Critics point out that Hakimi participated in only four matches and had a relatively quiet campaign, largely due to injury concerns. This has led to questions about the selection criteria used by CAF, with many supporters advocating for a more performance-based approach in future tournaments.
As the football world reflects on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the CAF Best XI serves as a tribute to the tournament's top talents, while also highlighting the ongoing discussions around player recognition and team selections in international competitions.
