The curtain has fallen on a pulsating group stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, setting the scene for a knockout phase brimming with promise. As the dust settles, a select group of individuals have distinguished themselves, earning a place in the prestigious Group Stage Best XI. Notably, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and coach Eric Chelle have emerged as central figures, highlighting the Super Eagles’ formidable start to the tournament.
Squad
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 2, 2026 (NAN) – The opening round was a masterclass in African football’s evolution, blending established superstars with emerging talents. The selection of this Best XI goes beyond mere statistics; it recognizes players and a coach who defined their teams’ identities, provided decisive moments, and demonstrated the tactical sophistication now prevalent across the continent.
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
In a tournament where goalkeeping errors can be costly, Egypt’s captain was a pillar of reliability. El Shenawy’s value transcends shot-stopping; his command of the penalty area, expert positioning to snuff out crosses, and calm distribution under pressure provided a foundational calm for the Pharaohs. His leadership from the back is a textbook example of how an experienced goalkeeper can serve as an on-field coach, organizing the defense and instilling confidence.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (Nigeria), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Yahia Attiat-Allah (Morocco)
This defensive unit exemplifies the modern, dual-role defender. Mazraoui and Attiat-Allah weren’t just full-backs; they were Morocco’s primary offensive outlets on the flanks, delivering pinpoint crosses while maintaining defensive discipline. Their selection together underscores the host nation’s dominant, possession-based style. At the heart of defense, the partnership of Tuanzebe and Tapsoba represents the continent’s defensive renaissance. Tuanzebe, for Nigeria, combined brute strength with intelligent anticipation, forming an impenetrable wall. Alongside him, Tapsoba’s performances for Burkina Faso were a clinic in defensive positioning and ball-playing ability from the back, often initiating attacks with incisive passes.
Midfielders: Brahim DÃaz (Morocco), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
The midfield trio showcases the diverse engine rooms powering Africa’s best. Brahim DÃaz operated as Morocco’s creative nexus, his close control and visionary passing in tight spaces unlocking stubborn defenses. In contrast, Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba was the tournament’s premier destroyer and distributor—his powerful tackles and relentless energy broke up opposition play, which he then transitioned into attacking moves with simple, effective passes.
However, the standout was Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman. Deployed in a fluid attacking midfield role, Lookman was the Super Eagles’ tactical wildcard. He consistently dropped deep to receive the ball, turned, and drove at defenders with a blend of pace and trickery that proved unmanageable. His performances were characterized by a high “decision-making quality”—knowing when to dribble, when to pass, and when to shoot—making him the most potent creative force of the group stage. His inclusion here is a testament to his evolution into a complete attacking midfielder.
Forwards: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), Sadio Mané (Senegal)
This forward line represents three distinct attacking archetypes. Riyad Mahrez remains the classic winger, using his sublime left foot to cut inside and dictate the tempo of Algeria’s attacks, serving as both creator and finisher. Amad Diallo provided the electrifying pace and directness for the Ivory Coast, terrorizing defenders one-on-one and embodying the next generation of African wingers. Leading the line, Sadio Mané demonstrated that his world-class status remains intact. For Senegal, he was more than a goalscorer; he was the emotional and tactical leader, dropping into midfield to link play and inspiring his teammates through relentless work rate and clutch goals.
Coach: Eric Chelle (Nigeria)
Perhaps the most significant nod goes to Nigeria’s tactician, Eric Chelle. His inclusion in the Best XI is rare and telling. Chelle earned this honor by crafting a Nigerian side that balanced defensive solidity with explosive attacking potential—a combination often elusive for the Super Eagles. He implemented a structured, disciplined defensive block that conceded few chances, while empowering his creative players like Lookman with the freedom to express themselves in the final third. His effective use of substitutions and in-game adjustments to control matches showcased a manager in full command, guiding Nigeria through a tough group with strategic clarity and a palpable sense of collective purpose.
The 2025 AFCON Group Stage Best XI is more than a list of top performers; it is a snapshot of African football’s current golden era. The presence of Nigeria’s Lookman and Chelle at its core signals a potent challenge for the title, proving that individual brilliance, when harnessed by astute coaching, can forge a team capable of conquering the continent. The stage is now set for these stars to carry their form into the high-stakes drama of the knockout rounds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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