President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
According to him, the team’s efforts have now paid off.
Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.
Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.
He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“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.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.
The bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.
Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali starred as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to win the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
The third-place playoff ended goalless after regulation time, forcing an immediate penalty shootout to decide the encounter.
The Super Eagles showed resilience, bouncing back from their semi-final loss to hosts Morocco to finish the tournament on the podium.
Nwabali proved decisive in the shootout, saving penalties from Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush.
Nigeria initially faltered when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed, but Nwabali’s double save swung momentum in Nigeria’s favour.
Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman converted calmly to seal the victory.
Regulation time was tightly contested, with few clear chances created by either side.
Egypt came close through Salah, but Nwabali reacted sharply to deny him on two occasions.
Nigeria had two goals ruled out, including Adams’ header and Lookman’s early second-half effort, following VAR and offside decisions.
With no breakthrough after 90 minutes, penalties decided the contest, handing Nigeria bronze and renewed confidence, while Egypt narrowly missed out.
