LOOKMAN MAKES AFCON 2025 GROUP STAGE BEST XI AS ERIC CHELLE NAMED BEST COACH

Read Time:2 Minute, 39 Second

By: Sefiu Ajape

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has been selected among the standout performers of the group stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emerging as the only Nigerian included in the team of the group phase, while Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, was also recognised as the best coach after three matches, according to Hotjist.

The Confederation of African Football unveiled the Group Stage Best XI on Friday.

Lookman, who has recorded two goals and two assists from two appearances in the competition, earned a place in a three-man midfield alongside Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba.

The Atalanta star opened his AFCON account with the decisive goal against Tanzania in Nigeria’s opening fixture and followed it up with a goal and two assists in the thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia in the second match.

CAF noted that Lookman has operated with the awareness and influence of a midfielder throughout the tournament, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous players at the group stage.

“The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman, was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and a 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,” CAF wrote.

Nigeria’s head coach, Chelle, who led the Super Eagles to the summit of their group with three consecutive wins, was also named the best coach of the group phase.

Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Nigerian national team displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure. 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 maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage,” CAF also wrote about the coach’s inclusion.

Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was voted the best goalkeeper of the group stage.

The defensive line in the team features Noussair Mazraoui and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi of Morocco, Axel Tuanzebe of DR Congo, and Edmond Tapsoba of Burkina Faso.

In attack, Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo spearheads a three-man forward line, supported by Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez.

Diallo, a Manchester United forward, has netted twice in the tournament, Mané has one goal to his name, while Mahrez tops the scoring chart with three goals from two matches.

Attention now shifts to the knockout phase, which begins tomorrow in Morocco with two round-of-16 fixtures.

Defending champions Senegal, winners in 2019, will take on Sudan in Tangier, while Mali and Tunisia are set to clash in Casablanca.

Nigeria will continue their campaign against Mozambique in another round-of-16 encounter scheduled for Monday in Fes.