AFCON 2025: Singh Explains Iwobi’s CAF Best XI Snub

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Sudesh Singh has shed light on why Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was left out of the CAF Best XI at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The team of the tournament featured players from Nigeria, Morocco, and eventual champions Senegal.

Nigeria had three representatives: Ademola Lookman, who made the list for the second consecutive edition, alongside Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey.

Iwobi, however, was overlooked despite delivering his finest performance for Nigeria. He orchestrated play from midfield with incisive passes, guided the Eagles to five straight victories, and remarkably finished as the competition’s top scorer with 14 goals.

CAF’s midfield selection in a 4-3-3 formation included Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, and Lookman. Singh explained that Pape Gueye’s decisive impact gave him the edge over Iwobi.

‘I would’ve loved to see Iwobi, but then who do you replace him with in that lineup that they had? Pape Gueye, with age on his side, he was still outstanding in the tournament,’ Singh told SuperSport.

He added: ‘With the leadership he showed and the goals he scored, I think it was very fair. Calvin Bassey was outstanding as well.’