Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Dennis Erezi
Published on 2024-02-14 13:53:10
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were well represented in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best XI players of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, with William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina all making the prestigious list. This announcement came after the Super Eagles finished as runners-up in the tournament, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final.
The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) carefully analyzed the performances of players throughout the tournament before releasing the Best XI for AFCON 2023. Notably, the trio of Troost-Ekong, Lookman, and Aina were commended for their standout performances during the competition. Additionally, tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, who were crowned the new African champions, had three representatives, namely Ghislan Konan, Jean Michael Seri, and Franck Kessie, included in the Best XI. Kessie, in particular, was recognized for his goal in the final match, which ultimately helped secure the title for his team.
William Troost-Ekong, in particular, emerged as a standout player at the 2023 AFCON, displaying stellar performances that earned him the title of the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). His exceptional leadership qualities, tactical awareness, crucial interventions in defense, and pivotal goal-scoring abilities set him apart as a key figure for the Super Eagles throughout the competition. With a total of three goals in the 2023 AFCON and two in previous tournaments, Troost-Ekong also made history by becoming the highest scoring defender in the finals.
Ola Aina, on the other hand, demonstrated his attacking prowess from his defensive position, creating seven chances for his teammate Victor Osimhen, which was more than any of the winning team’s forward players. His energetic and tireless performances on the field were a testament to his exceptional abilities, particularly in matches against The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and Angola.
Ademola Lookman’s impact for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON was also noteworthy, as the Atalanta forward managed to secure three goals and one assist in seven matches. This was a significant achievement for Lookman, particularly as he had only switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022. His standout performances at the tournament highlighted his growing influence as a player, following a successful season in the Italian Serie A.
Overall, the inclusion of Troost-Ekong, Lookman, and Aina in the CAF Best XI for AFCON 2023 served as a testament to the Super Eagles’ impressive campaign in the tournament and further solidified their individual contributions to the team’s success.
