Alex Iwobi has been shockingly left out of CAF’s Team of the Tournament for the 2025 (AFCON) Africa Cup of Nations, despite Nigeria’s strong showing in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football unveiled its Best XI after the tournament ended on January 18, 2026, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey named as Nigeria’s representatives.
Nigeria finished the competition with the bronze medal, beating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff, after falling short of a final appearance.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s talismanic striker, scored four goals in six matches, leading the Super Eagles’ attack with his trademark energy and physical presence.
Lookman was one of the standout performers of the tournament, recording the highest goal involvement, with three goals and four assists. The Atalanta winger earned his second Team of the Tournament selection, having first been included at AFCON 2023.
At the back, Calvin Bassey impressed throughout, playing every minute of Nigeria’s campaign until suspension ruled him out of the bronze-medal match. His performances helped Nigeria keep three clean sheets.
But eyebrows were raised after Iwobi, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most consistent midfielders, failed to make the cut — a decision that has already sparked debate among fans.
CAF’s Best XI was arranged in a 4-3-3 formation and featured players from only three countries — Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria.
Champions Senegal dominated the selection, with four players included, among them Player of the Tournament Sadio Mane, midfield general Idris Gana Gueye, final hero Pape Gueye, and defender Moussa Niakhite.
Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy after a tense 1–0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco, sealed by Pape Gueye’s goal in the fourth minute of added time.
