AFCON 2023: Ekong, Aina and Lookman stars in Best XI 

Super Eagles players William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman have been named in the Best XI of the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The trio were impressive in Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 campaign, propelling the three-time African champions to their eighth final where they lost 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on February 11, 2024.

William Troost-Ekong, who netted Nigeria’s sole goal in the finals, clinched the Best Player of the Tournament title on Sunday. His outstanding performance included three goals, making him the joint top scorer for the Super Eagles alongside Ademola Lookman at AFCON 2023.

Ola Aina, despite having a poor outing against Côte d’Ivoire in the finals, was deservedly picked as the best right back in the competition.

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) released the Best XI on Wednesday, with Nigeria possessing the joint highest player representative (3) alongside Côte d’Ivoire who also have Ghislan Konan, Jean Michael Seri and Franck Kessie present.

Again, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams gets the nod over Stanley Nwabali in the Best XI, having earlier won the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament on Sunday.

Full list of AFCON 2023 Best XI

• Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

• Defenders: Ola Aina (Nigeria), Ghislan Konan (Cote d’Ivoire), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo).

• Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), Jean Michael Seri (Cote d’Ivoire), Franck Kessie

• Strikers: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)