AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI: Lookman and Eric Chelle in as Osimhen misses out

CAF have named Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and forward Ademola Lookman in their official Best XI of the AFCON 2025 group stage, footynaija.com reports.

This is even as high-profile stars Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze were left out.

Nigeria finished top of Group C with a perfect nine points from three matches, scoring a tournament-high eight goals while playing some of the competition’s most expansive football.

Chelle’s side combined defensive solidity with fluid attacking play, setting an early benchmark at the tournament and highlighting their credentials as title contenders.

11 of the very best. 🌟

Your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 team of the group stage is here!#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NqGAkYXPvw

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 2, 2026

In announcing their selections, the Confederation of African Football highlighted Chelle’s tactical influence as a defining feature of the group phase.

“Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Nigeria national team displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure,” cafonline.com reported. “Chelle’s approach was marked by a solid defensive setup, quick transitions, and giving attacking players the freedom to express themselves.

“His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play.

“Chelle’s ability to maximize the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage.”

Ademola Lookman’s inclusion came as little surprise after a series of standout performances. The Atalanta forward was named Man of the Match in Nigeria’s win over Tunisia and has delivered two goals and two assists in just two appearances so far.

“The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal,” cafonline.com said. “His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and winger, and his movement off the ball was a nightmare for defenders.

“Lookman’s intelligence in finding pockets of space and his ability to produce key passes in critical moments made him one of the group stage’s most dangerous players.”

The Best XI featured players from across the continent, with hosts Morocco the only nation to place two representatives in the side. Egypt, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Algeria, Cameroon and Tunisia were also represented.

Yet the omissions will sting in the Nigerian camp. Raphael Onyedika, who scored twice in an impressive display against Uganda, was overlooked, as were Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, both among the tournament’s highest-rated performers.

Most notably, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s most valuable player and one of Africa’s elite strikers, also missed out.

Those absences are likely to sharpen Nigeria’s edge as they prepare for the knockout rounds, with Chelle’s squad determined to turn early promise into silverware.