‘Highway Robbery’ — CAF slammed for leaving Alex Iwobi out of controversial AFCON 2025 Best XI

Despite three Super E​agles stars making the final cut, Nigerian football fans have erupted in anger over the exclusion of midfield maestro Alex Iwobi from the official AFCON 2025 Best XI.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled its prestigious Team of the Tournament following the conclusion of the showpiece in Morocco. 

While Nigeria’s podium finish was recognised through the inclusion of three key players, matching the tally of champions Senegal, the absence of the team's creative heartbeat has sparked a heated continental debate.

Nigeria’s representation in the Best XI reflects a balance of defensive grit and attacking flair.

Calvin Bassey was recognised for his physical dominance and composure in the backline. Ademola Lookman clocked it for the team after recording a staggering 7 goal contributions.

Victor Osimhen: Acknowledged for his tireless leadership and 6 goal contributions that powered Nigeria to the bronze medal.

While the inclusion of these stars validates the quality of the squad under Eric Chelle, social media has been dominated by one question: Where is Alex Iwobi?

Iwobi enjoyed what many analysts consider his finest tournament in a green-and-white shirt, breaking records and dictating the tempo of the Super Eagles' play. 

The statistical evidence for his inclusion was overwhelming, leading fans to slam CAF for "dropping the ball."

One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by Solace Chukwu highlighted the oversight:

“#AFCON2025 was the easiest AFCON to come up with a Best XI... and CAF still managed to drop an obvious clanger. How has Alex Iwobi been left out?”

Another fan pointed to the tactical vacuum left by his absence:

“Solid picks, but no Alex Iwobi? The man led the ENTIRE tournament in line-breaking passes (46) and set a record as Nigeria's most-capped AFCON midfielder. Lookman and Osimhen thrived because of his vision. There is no No. 10 in this team!”

Much of the frustration was directed toward the midfield selection, with some supporters arguing that one Senegal’s Gueyes should have made way for the Nigerian playmaker to provide a more balanced "Best XI."

“Please, one Gueye should be removed for Alex Iwobi. Lookman has to drop into midfield just to make the XI work?

Despite the snub, Iwobi left Morocco having cemented his legacy as a midfield engine, even if the official trophy cabinet remains one medal short of what his individual stats suggested.