President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.
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.
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 News Agency of Nigeria reports that 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.
Meanwhile, Coach Eric Chelle has commended his players’ resilience after bouncing back from a semi-final loss, to hosts Morocco to beat Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place play-off on Saturday.
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The third-place match ended goalless after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, emerged Nigeria’s hero, making decisive saves to secure the podium finish for the Eagles.
In reaction, Coach Chelle praised his players’ resilience describing the victory as uneasy, but worth it.
“Being a coach is never easy. I felt disappointment before, but today I feel deep pride in these players.
“They gave everything until exhaustion. I am proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team,” he said
Chelle described the bronze medal, as being the product of months of hard work and collective sacrifice.
“This achievement did not come by chance. It came from a full year of continuous work and belief,” he said.
The coach highlighted the challenges of team management and unity within the squad.
“Building a strong group is difficult, managing personalities needs patience, and the players responded perfectly,” Chelle noted.
He said that the team’s effort went beyond the third-place match.
“This is not a one-night story, it is part of a longer journey for the future of this team,” he said.
Chelle also harped on the importance of experimentation and learning, during the tournament.
“We tried different ideas, some worked, some did not, but that is how teams grow,” he said.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the Eagles’ prospects.
“This team has character, commitment and a strong future; We will build on this experience,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 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.
NAN
