The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has lived up to expectations, with teams across the continent delivering high-quality football and standout individual performances as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
While the group stage produced an entertaining 87 goals, the knockout rounds have been far more tactical and disciplined. In the Round of 16, teams tightened defensively, resulting in just 22 goals as margins became finer and mistakes more costly.
With the competition now down to eight teams, several players produced exceptional performances that proved decisive in securing quarterfinal qualification for their countries.
Sportskeeda Ranks Top Performers
Sports media outlet Sportskeeda has released its list of the top five performers of the AFCON 2025 Round of 16, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman emerging as the standout player so far in the tournament.
Top 5 Players – AFCON 2025 Round of 16
5. Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
The Real Madrid midfielder once again proved decisive for Morocco, scoring the only goal in their narrow victory over Tanzania. His consistent scoring record has seen him find the net in every match he has played, placing him among the leading scorers at AFCON 2025.
4. Yasser Ibrahim (Egypt)
Egypt’s centre-back delivered a commanding defensive display during their 3-1 extra-time win over Benin Republic. Ibrahim also scored the crucial go-ahead goal in the 97th minute, underlining his importance at both ends of the pitch.
3. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
The Manchester United winger was instrumental in Ivory Coast’s 3-0 win over Burkina Faso. He opened the scoring and provided an assist, bringing his tournament tally to three goals, which places him among the top scorers.
2. Papa Gueye (Senegal)
Gueye produced a match-winning performance for Senegal, scoring two goals as his side recovered from a difficult start to defeat Sudan 3-1 and advance to the quarterfinals.
1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s winger was the standout performer of the Round of 16. Lookman controlled the game offensively, scoring the Super Eagles’ opening goal against Mozambique in the 20th minute and providing two assists in the second half.
With four assists to his name, Lookman currently leads the tournament in that category and is widely regarded as the best overall player at AFCON 2025 so far.
Tournament Outlook
As the quarterfinals approach, the level of competition is expected to intensify further, with fewer scoring opportunities and greater emphasis on individual brilliance.
With players like Lookman, Díaz, Diallo, and Gueye in top form, AFCON 2025 continues to showcase Africa’s growing depth of football talent and tactical maturity.
Related: Bandits kill vigilante leader, kidnap seven in Niger attacks – Armed bandits
