The second round of Group C fixtures at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations further clarified the balance of power within the group, with Nigeria asserting authority, Tanzania showing resilience and Tunisia producing flashes of quality despite succumbing to defeat, Footynaija.com reports.
Matchday Two delivered a refreshed Best XI that shows an impressive level of consistency from standout performers who have retained their places as well as new inclusions whose influence proved decisive across the latest round of games.
Goalkeeper
Zuberi Foba (Tanzania) – Foba retains his place after another outstanding display between the posts. The 23-year-old made five saves from Uganda’s six shots on target, the highest tally by any goalkeeper in Group C on Matchday Two, playing a decisive role in securing that vital point for Tanzania.
Defenders
Kenneth Semakula (Uganda, RB) – A new entry into the Best XI, Semakula delivered a composed and disciplined performance against Tanzania. The Ugandan full-back held his own throughout the contest and finished as the second highest-rated defender across both teams.
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria, CB) – Bassey retains his place following another dominant display at the heart of Nigeria’s defence. The Premier League defender continues to stand out as the most consistent centre-back in Group C so far.
Ibrahim Hamad (Tanzania, CB) – Hamad earns a new place in the Best XI after a near-perfect outing at the back. The 28-year-old was instrumental in limiting Uganda’s attacking threat and provided calm leadership throughout the contest.
Ali Abdi (Tunisia, LB) – Abdi keeps his spot after another influential performance. The left-back converted a late penalty for Tunisia to set up a grandstand finish and followed up his Matchday One assist against Uganda with another assured display.
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria, MF) – Ndidi makes a fresh entry after a commanding midfield performance against Tunisia. The Super Eagles captain dominated the centre of the park alongside Onyeka and Iwobi, capping his display with a powerful headed goal.
Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia, MF) – Mejbri retains his place after registering his second assist of the tournament. His delivery for Montassar Talbi’s goal briefly lifted Tunisia, and his energy and creativity once again stood out.
Frank Onyeka (Nigeria, MF) – Arguably the key to Nigeria’s largely dominant display against Tunisia, Onyeka, who forced his way into Eric Chelle’s starting lineup provided a much needed assuredness for the Super Eagles in the middle of the park. His presence gave Nigeria control of the midfield and it is no surprise that when he came off, Tunisia seized control of that area of the pitch.
Forwards
Simon Msuva (Tanzania, FW) – Msuva was Tanzania’s most dangerous attacking threat against Uganda and the 32-year-old did well to come up with the goods for the Taifa Stars when he calmly converted a spot kick in the 59th minute. After a quiet opening game vs Nigeria, Msuva played his way into Group C’s combined best XI on matchday two.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, FW) – Lookman was a livewire for Nigeria on matchday two as he wrecked havoc after havoc on the Tunisian backline. Two assists and one goal to follow up his wonder goal on opening day keeps the Atalanta man on this list.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, FW) – Osimhen broke the deadlock for Nigeria against Tunisia and also provided an assist for Ademola Lookman’s goal. Asides his output in the final third, the super eagles striker made a nuisance of himself throughout the game and caused the Tunisian backline all sorts of headaches.
