Osimhen, Salah, Mané Lead Seven-Man AFCON 2025 MVP Contenders

Osimhen, Salah, Mané Lead Seven-Man AFCON 2025 MVP Contenders

By BSN Sports 

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, attention is already shifting toward the individual performances likely to define the tournament. One of the biggest talking points is who will succeed former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong as AFCON’s Most Valuable Player, BSNSport.cm.ng reports.

AFCON history has consistently shown that the MVP award is claimed by players capable of delivering decisive moments under intense physical, tactical and emotional pressure. As teams prepare for another demanding month of continental football, a select group of players stand out as strong contenders.

From proven tournament winners to elite attackers and dominant midfielders, these seven players possess the technical quality, experience and influence required to shape AFCON 2025.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah remains one of the most complete attackers African football has produced. Entering what could be his final AFCON, the two-time CAF African Footballer of the Year combines tactical intelligence with ruthless efficiency.

Operating primarily from the right, Salah thrives on intelligent movement, precision finishing and his ability to exploit narrow spaces. His low centre of gravity and sharp decision-making make him particularly effective against deep defensive blocks, a common feature of AFCON matches.

Having lost AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021, Salah is still searching for continental glory. Despite being 32, he continues to perform at the highest level, leading Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title with 29 goals and 18 assists, while claiming the Golden Boot, Playmaker and Player of the Season awards.

Across a gruelling tournament, Salah’s clarity of purpose and ability to decide matches with minimal chances make him one of the leading MVP candidates.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Victor Osimhen’s profile is tailor-made for AFCON football. Few forwards combine physical aggression, pace and penalty-box instinct as effectively as the Nigerian striker.

Osimhen stretches defensive lines with his explosive runs, dominates aerial duels and relentlessly attacks defenders, qualities that often prove decisive in Africa’s physically demanding tournament environment.

Already one of Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers, Osimhen enters AFCON 2025 not only as a Golden Boot contender but also as a serious MVP candidate. His club career, from Napoli to Galatasaray, has been defined by record-breaking performances and title-winning contributions.

If he reproduces that level of influence for the Super Eagles, Osimhen could emerge as the tournament’s standout performer.

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Senegal legend Sadio Mané remains a force capable of shaping matches across multiple attacking roles. Comfortable on the wing or through the middle, Mané’s versatility and tactical intelligence give him a unique edge.

His close control, quick acceleration and ability to operate in tight spaces allow him to thrive regardless of pitch conditions or defensive setups.

The 2021 AFCON MVP could make history by becoming only the second player, after Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, to win the award twice. With vast tournament experience and a proven ability to deliver in decisive moments, Mané remains central to Senegal’s ambitions of another deep run.

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo enters AFCON 2025 as a less conventional but highly dangerous MVP candidate. Known for his unpredictability, Mbeumo thrives on quick combinations, sharp movements and explosive acceleration.

Equally comfortable on either flank or close to the striker, his ability to create separation in tight areas makes him a constant threat. Mbeumo also boasts a varied shooting arsenal, capable of finishing early or after carrying the ball across the box.

As Cameroon chase a first AFCON title since 2017, Mbeumo’s growing influence at both club and international level could elevate him into serious MVP contention.

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman arrives at AFCON 2025 as one of the continent’s most in-form attackers.

Lookman’s strength lies in his ability to receive between the lines, turn quickly and attack defenders directly. His intelligent off-the-ball movement often pulls defensive structures apart, while his confidence in one-on-one situations makes him difficult to contain.

His composure on the biggest stages was underlined by his Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta in 2024. After Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the last AFCON, Lookman could be the figure to drive the Super Eagles all the way this time.

Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast)

Franck Kessié once again anchors Ivory Coast’s ambitions as they attempt to defend their AFCON crown.

A dominant presence in midfield, Kessié combines physical strength, stamina and ball-carrying ability, allowing him to influence games in both defensive and attacking phases. His knack for arriving late into the box adds a valuable goal threat, while his positional discipline helps shield the defence.

Such all-round reliability often proves decisive in tournament football, and if the Elephants manage to retain their title, Kessié is likely to be central to that success.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Few African players possess the technical finesse of Riyad Mahrez. Even at 34, the Algeria captain remains capable of deciding matches through moments of pure quality.

Mahrez’s close control, ability to manipulate defenders and precision from set-pieces make him a constant threat from the right flank. His experience has refined his game management, allowing him to dictate tempo and unlock defences at crucial moments.

As Algeria target another deep AFCON run, Mahrez’s subtle influence and match-winning ability position him as a strong MVP contender.