AFCON MVP: Diaz or Lookman?

Ademola Lookman, the most decisive player in the AFCON
Victor Osimhen takes all the light, but if there is indeed a «game changer» for Nigeria in this competition, it’s indeed Ademola Lookman. Despite his first part of the season being disrupted with Atalanta Bergamo against an abortive starting backdrop, the African Best Player 2024 achieves an exceptional competition in Morocco this far.

Scorer in the Super Eagles' first match against Tanzania (2-1), Lookman was then a goal scorer and double passer in the 3-2 win against Tunisia. Left to his leisure during the last group match against Uganda (3-1), the former Fulham player came back in force in the eighth final against Mozambique (4-0) with a goal and two new assists.

In total, Ademola Lookman scored 3 goals and 4 assists in 3 matches. Which makes him the most decisive player of this AFCON 2025 and a serious candidate for the best player trophy. He is clearly the best player of Nigeria and he will be expected again this Saturday in the quarter-finals against Algeria (16h GMT).

Brahim Diaz, leader of the Atlas Lions
Whenever Morocco needs deliverance, Brahim Diaz wears his best costume, that of the savior. Notably during the opening match under strong pressure on the host country and after a missed penalty by Soufiane Rahimi against Comoros (2-0). A match after which he became the number 1 shooter for the Atlas Lions, as he faced Mali (1-1), before scoring against Zambia (3-0) and delivering all of Morocco in the eighth of final against Tanzania (1-0).

The decisive nature of the goals from the attacking midfielder of Real Madrid makes him one of the players who made the most impact in this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he has not yet delivered the slightest assist, unlike Lookman who is much more decisive and has more arguments than the Moroccan currently.

With three matches to go, each match will count towards determining who will succeed Willian Troost-Ekong in the list of the best players in the CAN.