The official Man of the Match award for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco was designed by Nigerian-born artist Yinka Ilori MBE, adding another notable Nigerian contribution to a major global sporting event.
Ilori, a British-Nigerian designer internationally recognised for his bold use of colour and contemporary African-inspired patterns, was commissioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to create the award presented to the best player in every match during the tournament.
The design carries strong symbolic elements tied to the competition and the continent itself. It features 24 radiant beams representing the 24 nations participating at AFCON 2025, with each beam reflecting the individuality, culture, and spirit of the competing countries.
At the centre of the award sits a Damask rose, included as a tribute to Morocco, the host nation of the tournament.
Beyond its visual appeal, the structure reflects the idea of unity through football across Africa’s diverse cultures and backgrounds. Rather than a conventional sports trophy, the final piece combines modern design with African identity and storytelling.
Yinka Ilori’s involvement in one of African football’s biggest tournaments further highlights the growing global recognition of Nigerian talent across creative industries, including art, design, fashion, technology, entertainment, and sports branding.
The project also draws attention to the role of design and identity in modern football presentation. Across the continent, sports institutions are increasingly using culture, symbolism, and branding to strengthen the image of their competitions and connect more deeply with supporters.
With talents such as Yinka Ilori already contributing to major international projects, Nigeria’s creative industry continues to show its capacity to shape conversations far beyond its borders.
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