By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on securing a hard-fought bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), praising their display of determination and the quintessential Nigerian spirit following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt.
The third-place playoff, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, ended goalless after regulation time before Nigeria triumphed 4-2 in the shootout.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, producing crucial saves to deny Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, allowing the Super Eagles to convert their kicks confidently and claim their record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal.
The triumph provided a measure of redemption after the team’s heartbreaking semi-final exit to the host nation Morocco on penalties just days earlier.
In that encounter, Nigeria dominated possession and created chances but fell short in the decisive shootout, dashing hopes of a fourth continental title.
President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the players for bouncing back undaunted.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed,” the President said.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off. We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.”
He added: “Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”
The Super Eagles’ campaign showcased flashes of brilliance, with strong group-stage performances and knockout wins over Mozambique and Algeria. The third-place finish maintains Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches and offers a positive conclusion to a tournament where the team was widely regarded as one of the most entertaining sides.
The final of AFCON 2025 is set for Sunday, January 18, pitting hosts Morocco against Senegal in Rabat, with the Atlas Lions chasing their second title since 1976 and the Teranga Lions aiming to reclaim the crown they won in 2021.
