2023 AFCON: CAF snubs Super Eagles stars in group stage best XI
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its best 11 players from the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Super Eagles of Nigeria stars snubbed.
Nigeria finished as runners-up in group A with seven points, but considered good enough to make the tournament’s best eleven for the first round.
The CAF XI, playing in a 4-3-3 formation, featured Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Defensive players William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey, who played crucial roles for Nigeria, were left out in favor of Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Nayef Aguerd, and Arthur Masuaku.
In the midfield, Azzedine Ouname, Manchester United’s defensive midfielder Soryan Amrabat, and Senegal’s Lamine Camara were selected.
Reigning CAF Men’s Player of the year Victor Osimhen did not make the frontline of the CAF XI, with Gelson Dala, Emilio Nsue, and Ismaila Sarr earning spots instead.
The nockout round of the 2023 AFCON begins on Saturday, January 27, 2024 with Nigeria up against Cameroon by 9pm in Abidjan.
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