Two best players from AFCON 2023 set to miss AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is less than two weeks away from kicking off in Morocco.

With anticipation building up, the competition has already been hit with major setbacks, as two standout performers from the 2023 edition will not feature this time.

Their absence has sent ripples across African football, reshaping expectations for both Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

One of the biggest shocks is the absence of William Troost-Ekong, the influential Nigerian centre-back who was crowned Best Player of AFCON 2023 for his commanding displays throughout the tournament.

The 32-year-old announced his international retirement on December 4, 2025, just weeks before the competition scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Although he had initially been named in Nigeria’s preliminary squad, Troost-Ekong ultimately decided to end his national team journey after earning 83 caps.

His decision leaves the Super Eagles without their defensive pillar and emotional leader, a player whose presence and grit were crucial in guiding Nigeria to the final in the last edition.

Ivory Coast will also be without one of their brightest stars from 2023: Simon Adingra. The winger, whose pace and decisive contributions played a key role in the Elephants’ title-winning run, has been omitted from Emerse Faé’s final squad for AFCON 2025.

As Ivory Coast prepare to defend their crown against Mozambique, Cameroon, and Gabon in the group stage, Adingra’s absence stands out. The coach explained that the Sunderland winger’s recent form and limited playing time at club level influenced the decision, as he has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup this season.

The upcoming AFCON is shaping up to be a unique edition. With both the Best Player and Best Young Player from 2023 missing, Nigeria and Ivory Coast may face added challenges, while the tournament opens its doors for new talents to rise and make their mark on Africa’s biggest stage.

The tournament will kick off on December 21, with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026.