Lookman, Akinsanmiro Lead Five Serie A Standout Talents Who Could Define AFCON 2025

As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, Serie A will be well represented, with 21 players leaving Italy to join their national teams. Among them are five standout talents who could light up the tournament and shape their countries’ fortunes.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro: Pisa and Nigeria
The 21-year-old midfielder, on loan from Inter, is one of Nigeria’s most intriguing prospects. With Pisa struggling in Serie A, Akinsanmiro’s AFCON debut offers him a chance to gain confidence and experience. Having already featured against Egypt, he could return to Italy with valuable minutes under his belt and a stronger presence in Nigeria’s midfield rebuild.

Neil El Aynaoui: AS Roma and Morocco
El Aynaoui, son of former tennis star Younes El Aynaoui, has quickly risen through the ranks. After impressing at Lens, Roma invested heavily in the playmaker, and he now looks set to become a fixture in Morocco’s midfield. With the Atlas Lions riding high after their World Cup semifinal run in 2022, El Aynaoui could be pivotal in their bid for a first AFCON title since 1976.

Evan Ndicka: AS Roma and Côte d’Ivoire
The towering centre-back has been a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s defense since their triumphant 2023 AFCON campaign. Born in Paris to Cameroonian and Ivorian parents, Ndicka switched allegiance from France’s youth teams to the Elephants, a decision that has paid off handsomely. His presence at the back could be crucial as Côte d’Ivoire aim to defend their crown and achieve back-to-back titles for the first time.

Odilon Kossounou: Atalanta and Côte d’Ivoire
Partnering Ndicka in defense, Kossounou is another key figure for the reigning champions. A graduate of the famed ASEC Mimosas academy, his career has taken him from Sweden to Belgium, then Germany, and now Italy. Strong, athletic, and composed, he was part of the side that toppled Nigeria in 2023 and will be vital again as Côte d’Ivoire chase history.

Ademola Lookman: Atalanta and Nigeria
Lookman heads into AFCON as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking weapons. Despite a slow start to the current Serie A season, his record last year was outstanding, with 20 goals across competitions and a Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen.

If he rediscovers that form alongside Victor Osimhen, Nigeria could avenge their 2023 final defeat and claim a fourth continental crown.