Lookman, Osimhen Named in WhoScored AFCON 2025 Best XI
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have both been named in WhoScored’s prestigious Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Team of the Tournament, underlining their influence in a competition that saw Senegal crowned champions under Sadio Mané’s leadership.
WhoScored, a globally respected football analytics platform renowned for its data-driven player ratings, compiled the XI based on statistical performances throughout the tournament.
The inclusion of Lookman and Osimhen highlights Nigeria’s attacking firepower, even though the Super Eagles fell short of the title.
Lookman was Nigeria’s creative heartbeat, registering three goals and four assists, the joint-highest assist tally in the competition, while consistently unlocking defences with incisive passing and movement.
His 7.8 rating was one of the highest in the tournament, cementing his place in midfield alongside Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye and Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo.
Osimhen, meanwhile, showcased his complete centre-forward profile, scoring four goals and adding two assists. His relentless pressing and physical presence stretched defences, earning him a 7.5 rating and a spot in the forward line alongside Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Senegal’s talisman Mané, who was also named Player of the Tournament.
Yet, the announcement sparked debate among Nigerian fans. Notably absent were defender Calvin Bassey and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both of whom delivered strong campaigns but fell short of WhoScored’s statistical cut.
Their exclusion has raised eyebrows, given Nigeria’s resilient defensive displays and Iwobi’s role in linking midfield to attack.
Senegal dominated the XI with four selections viz Édouard Mendy, Krépin Diatta, Gueye, and Mané. Egypt contributed three players, Morocco and Ivory Coast one apiece, while Nigeria contributed two.
