By Ghazali Ibrahim
A British artist of Nigerian origin, Yinka Ilori, has been revealed as the creative mind behind the official Man of the Match award for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.
‘Man of the match’ award is a prestigious continental honour celebrating individual excellence in Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Ilori, whose vibrant design was presented to standout players such as Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbuemo, Mohammed Kudus, Amad Diallo and other after key matches, is nothinv short of pure creativity, earning global recognition. He previously collaborated on the 2021 Brit Awards statuettes alongside British stage designer Es Devlin, a project that showcased his bold, colourful aesthetic and storytelling through design.
The AFCON trophy features Ilori’s signature use of bright, dynamic elements that reflect African identity and celebration capturing the spirit of a tournament that unites millions of fans across the continent and the world.
His role in AFCON 2025 continues a growing legacy of designers of Nigerian descent shaping global cultural symbols. In 2023, another British‑Nigerian creative, Olaolu Slawn, designed the AFCON man of the match award, earning praise for his imaginative interpretation of the iconic music award.
For many observers, Ilori’s selection is more than a design commission, it’s a celebration of Nigerian influence on the global stage.
His work bridges art, sport and heritage, reminding fans that excellence in African creativity extends far beyond the pitch.
The AFCON Man of the Match award is expected to become one of the tournament’s most talked‑about symbols, as both players and supporters witness the unique imprint of Nigerian art at the heart of African football.
