Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been included in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) team of the group stage, while Eric Chelle is named as the coach following Nigeria’s perfect run, where they picked up all nine available points.
The Team of the Group Stage was unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday, highlighting players who stood out during the opening phase of the tournament as attention now turns to the knockout stage.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is selected as the standout shot stopper after recording one clean sheet and conceding just one goal. The experienced keeper also made eight saves in the two matches he featured in during the group stage.
At the heart of the defence, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba is paired with DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe, while Tunisia’s Ali Abdi and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui are named as the fullbacks.
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Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba earns a place in midfield after playing a key role for the Indomitable Lions, who went unbeaten with two wins and a draw in the group stage. Lookman is also listed in midfield, having emerged as one of the tournament’s top performers with a joint-high four goal contributions, while Morocco’s Brahim Diaz makes the team after recording three goal contributions.
The attacking line-up features high-profile names, including former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who scored three goals as Algeria won all three of their group matches. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo is also selected after scoring twice for Cameroon, while Senegal’s Sadio Mané completes the forward line with one goal and one assist.
The Round of 16 is set to kick off on Saturday, January 3, with Senegal taking on Sudan and Mali facing Tunisia in a highly anticipated encounter. Hosts Morocco will come up against Tanzania on Sunday, while South Africa are scheduled to face Cameroon.
On Monday, Egypt will battle Benin Republic, while Nigeria will take on Mozambique as they continue their push for continental success. The round of 16 will conclude on Tuesday, with Algeria facing DR Congo and Ivory Coast squaring off against Burkina Faso.
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