By Rhoda Godwin
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Super Eagles for their gritty performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, celebrating a well-deserved bronze medal finish following their dramatic third-place playoff win over Egypt in Casablanca.
The President took to his social media handle to congratulate the national team, hailing their resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Despite the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semifinals, Tinubu underscored that the bronze medal “surely feels good like gold.”
Nigeria sealed third place with a tense 4–2 victory on penalties after a scoreless 90 minutes against seven-time AFCON champions Egypt at the Stade Mohammed V. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the standout performer, saving two spot kicks to swing momentum in favour of the Super Eagles, while Ademola Lookman calmly converted the decisive penalty.
The win marked Nigeria’s ninth bronze medal in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, extending their unbeaten record in third-place playoffs and reinforcing the country’s longstanding pedigree in African football.
In his message, President Tinubu commended the team for putting the disappointment of the semifinal loss behind them and capturing a medal that he said reflects “the can-do spirit associated with our country.” He thanked the players, coaching staff and support personnel for embodying courage and national pride.
The Federal Government also released a statement praising the Super Eagles for inspiring millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora through their performances, noting that the team upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart and skills.
Fans and officials alike have hailed the bronze medal finish as a source of pride for Nigeria, providing a positive end to the country’s AFCON 2025 campaign after a rollercoaster few weeks in Morocco.
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