Super Eagles overlooked as CAF names AFCON 2023 group stage Best XI

Nigeria's Super Eagles were ignored in CAF's Best XI list.

Super Eagles overlooked as CAF names AFCON 2023 group stage Best XI

Izuchukwu Akawor 04:33 - 26.01.2024

No Nigeria and Super Eagles player was found worthy of the CAF best XI from the group stage at AFCON 2023.

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has announced its official best XI of the AFCON 2023 group stage, but there was no room for any Super Eagles players.

Pulse Sports can report that CAF revealed the team of the group stage on Thursday evening 24 hours after the final games of the stage ended, with Nigerian players missing.

CAF ignores Nigeria

Despite Nigeria progressing from Group A with seven points from a possible nine after two wins and a draw, CAF opted against including any of Jose Peseiro's men in the select side. 

The likes of Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have all impressed as the Super Eagles reached the last 16.

The Super Eagles are through to the round of 16 at AFCON 2023.
The Super Eagles are through to the round of 16 at AFCON 2023. (Photo Credit: Imago)

However, not one was considered to have performed well enough as they missed out on selection. Instead, the team was dominated by giants Morocco and Senegal, along with Equatorial Guinea, who finished as Group A winners ahead of Nigeria. 

Morocco’s Atlas Lions dominated the team with as many as four players, led by Manchester United’s Sofyan Amrabat and Achraf Hakimi. 

Senegal has three representatives in the team while Equatorial Guinea has two players, with top scorer, Emilio Nsue, leading the attack. 

Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro may feel hard done by after his Nigeria side finished the group unbeaten and conceded just two goals. 

Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue celebrates scoring against Ivory Coast \ Imago
Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue is the AFCOn 2023 top scorer with 5 goals. (Photo Credit: Imago)

But with the knockout rounds still to come, the Super Eagles will be determined to prove they deserve more recognition from CAF at the AFCON 2023. 

Related content