The new Man-of-the-Match trophy unveiled at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 symbolises Africa’s unity, diversity and evolving football identity, redefining how individual excellence is celebrated at the tournament, CAF has said.

Introduced from the opening match on December 21, the redesigned trophy reflects a shift by CAF and TotalEnergies to align personal accolades with Africa’s shared values, culture and the continent’s growing global football stature.

The trophy features 24 radiant beams, each representing one of the 24 participating nations, highlighting their distinct identities while showing how African football thrives through collective strength and unity.

Its blended materials signify diversity, while the converging beams reflect football’s power to unite cultures, nations and people through a common passion across the African continent.

At its centre sits the Damask rose, a symbol of host nation Morocco, serving as a visual reminder of place, heritage and the historic moments created at AFCON 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ademola Lookman was crowned Man-of-the-Match after a composed, influential display in Nigeria’s 3–2 win over Tunisia on Saturday.

Lookman described the award as “a symbol of Africa’s story and the hard work behind every performance.”

“Winning this feels special because it represents more than one player,” Lookman said. “It shows what African football stands for — unity, pride and excellence on a global stage,” he said.

The Super Eagles winger added that the trophy motivates players to inspire others, saying it “pushes you to give everything, knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself.”

NAN further reports that the trophy has also been won by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz and Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi, underlining its role in celebrating standout performances across AFCON 2025.

(NAN)