Super Eagles: Top 5 AFCON 2025 group stage performers… Osimhen absent!

The Super Eagles marched through the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) group phase with maximum points, and their performances have not gone unnoticed. 

CAF has acknowledged that dominance, naming Ademola Lookman in the tournament’s group-stage XI, while Eric Chelle received recognition on the touchline after guiding Nigeria through three demanding fixtures with authority and control.

11 of the very best. 🌟

Your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 team of the group stage is here!#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NqGAkYXPvw

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 2, 2026

The choice itself is interesting as, while Lookman has scored twice, there is a case to be made that he has not been the Super Eagles’ best performer. Regardless, he is of that cadre, but there are others who have strong claims. Here are the five most impressive performers for the three-time African champions, going into the knockout stages.

Top five performing Super Eagles from the AFCON 2025 group stage

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi’s influence has run deeper than numbers on the stat sheet. Two assists in the opening game against Tanzania told of his awareness, but it is his calm presence in deeper phases that has set the tempo. 

The 29-year-old links defence to attack, breaks lines with timing rather than force, and remains Nigeria’s most reliable creative outlet in Morocco.

Akor Adams

Adams has yet to find the net, but his impact is unmistakable. His movement drags defenders away, his link-up play gives Victor Osimhen room to attack space, and his intelligence in possession has brought balance to Nigeria’s front line. The Super Eagles have looked more fluid with him on the pitch.

Calvin Bassey

Bassey continues to grow into his role at centre-back. Strong in duels, composed in recovery, and accurate with his diagonals.

The 26-year-old has been Nigeria’s steadiest defender across the group stage and is a pillar even in matches where clean sheets slipped away.

Wilfred Ndidi

Handed the armband, Ndidi has responded with presence and authority. He shields the back line, wins tackles high up the pitch, and chipped in with a crucial goal against Tunisia. 

The Besiktas star’s reading of danger has anchored the midfield and steadied the team in difficult moments.

Ademola Lookman

Two goals, two assists, and influence everywhere he appears on the pitch. Lookman has been both creator and finisher, leading transitions, deciding games, and carrying the swagger of a player in full control of his craft. His inclusion in CAF’s best XI felt inevitable.