AFCON 2025 was decided in midfield more than anywhere else. Games were won and lost through control, timing, and decision making in the centre of the pitch. From moving the ball under pressure to breaking up attacks and coming late in the box, it was the midfielders that determined how teams survived and advanced through the tournament in Morocco.
Senegal went on to lift the title after a tense final against the hosts, while Nigeria claimed third place. Across those runs, and throughout the competition, a small group of midfielders consistently changed matches in their team’s favour. Their influence was seen in the chances they created, covers they provided, and moments that settled tight games.
In this piece, Footynaija.com brings you seven of such players who left a mark on how their nations fared from the group stage to the closing weeks, ranked from 7 to 1.
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7. Raphael Onyedika — Nigeria
Raphael Onyedika announced himself at AFCON 2025 with a statement display against Uganda. He scored twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 group stage win, earning the Man of the Match award.
The 24-year-old backed up the goals with control in possession. He kept the ball moving under pressure, linked defence to attack, and showed maturity in how he chose his moments. Those strikes were his first at a major tournament, and both came at decisive points as Nigeria secured top spot in Group C.
6. Hannibal Mejbri — Tunisia
Hannibal Mejbri was Tunisia’s creative reference point during the group stage at AFCON 2025. The Manchester United-trained midfielder registered two assists in his first three matches.
Mejbri dictated play with his passes that helped Tunisia find attacking flow in their opening games and sustain pressure in possession. That control stood out even as the Carthage Eaglesʼ tournament came to an end in the knockout rounds.
5. Wilfred Ndidi — Nigeria
Wilfred Ndidi captained the Super Eagles and set the tone in midfield throughout AFCON 2025. The Besiktas midfielder gave Nigeria a defensive base that freed others to play higher up.
His impact showed on both sides of the ball. Ndidi screened the back line, won duels, and kept the team compact during long spells without possession. That control allowed the more creative midfielders to focus on progression and final passes. Ndidi also delivered a decisive moment in the group stage. He scored a header in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia, his first goal at AFCON, helping settle a fixture that shaped the group.
4. Carlos Baleba — Cameroon
Carlos Baleba stood out for Cameroon at AFCON 2025 through his athleticism and ball recovery. The young midfielder was a constant presence in the Indomitable Lions’ engine room, supplying energy, interceptions, and quick links between defence and attack.
His influence peaked in the round of 16 win over South Africa. The Brighton midfielder earned the Man of the Match award after a display built on winning second balls, covering space, and driving Cameroon forward from midfield. The team exited in the quarter finals, but Baleba’s performances offered balance through the centre.
3. Idrissa Gueye — Senegal
Idrissa Gueye anchored Senegal’s midfield as the Lions of Teranga pushed their way to the AFCON 2025 title. The Everton midfielder served as the side’s main ball winner, protecting the back line and keeping distribution going through the centre.
His role remained constant all the way to the final. Senegal’s structure held under pressure before Pape Gueye struck the extra time winner, sealing the title.
2. Pape Gueye — Senegal
Pape Gueye was one of the most decisive midfielders in AFCON 2025. In the round of 16, he scored twice to overturn a deficit and send Senegal into the quarter finals.
His biggest contribution was in the final. Gueye’s extra-time strike settled a tense contest and secured Senegal’s second continental crown in three editions.
1. Alex Iwobi — Nigeria
Alex Iwobi tops this list as one of AFCON 2025’s most influential midfield creators. Playing deeper in Nigeria’s setup, he finished the tournament with two assists, specifically setting up both goals in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 win over Tanzania.
Iwobi consistently unlocked defences with his vision and through-balls, becoming central to Nigeria’s run to the semi finals. His composure on the ball, timing of forward deliveries, and ability to link play made him the standout midfielder in the tournament as the Super Eagles advanced through the latter stages and secured third place.
