Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and forward Ademola Lookman have been named in the Team of the Group Stage at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after Nigeria’s flawless run in the opening round of the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Nigeria swept through their group with three convincing victories, a campaign largely credited to Chelle’s tactical clarity, discipline, and excellent game management. The Franco-Malian tactician struck an effective balance between defence and attack, ensuring control in midfield while allowing the team’s attacking talents to flourish. His ability to rotate smartly, read games, and adapt to different opponents stood out, earning him recognition among the standout performers of the group phase.
Ademola Lookman was equally pivotal to the Super Eagles’ success, delivering a string of commanding performances in the final third. The Atalanta forward finished the group stage with two goals and two assists, consistently troubling defenders with his pace, movement, and composure. His direct involvement in four goals underlined Nigeria’s attacking efficiency and helped establish the Super Eagles as the most productive attacking side of the group stage.
The AFCON Team of the Group Stage also includes some of Africa’s biggest names, reflecting the high level of competition across the continent. Among those selected are Riyad Mahrez of Algeria, Amad Diallo from Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawi, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Carlos Baleba of Cameroon, Morocco duo Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba, DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe, and Yahia Attiat-Allah of Morocco.
With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, aiming to build on their dominant group-stage performance as they continue their push for continental glory.
Oluwayemi Omolagba