‘You Inspired Millions,’ FG Hails Super Eagles On AFCON Bronze

https://www.channelstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AFP__20260117__933G67X__v1__MidRes__FblAfr2025Match51EgyNig.jpg

The Super Eagles’ third-place finish in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is praised by the Federal Government, who cites the team’s dedication and “Nigeria’s rich football tradition.” &nbsp,

“Super Eagles, congratulations. I congratulate you on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Idris Mohammed, the minister of information and national orientation, in a statement released late on Saturday. &nbsp,

Your participation in the tournament gave our nation a sense of pride and joy. You have fought with heart, talent, and resilience to maintain Nigeria’s rich football tradition.

You showed courage, unity, and belief in one another from the group stages to the closing bell in Casablanca. You not just played; you piqued the interest of millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.

Read more about Nwabali’s heroics as Nigeria defeated Egypt to earn bronze at the Olympics.

An unbroken fighting spirit

Egypt and Nigeria play at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in the third-place football match of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)

In the penalty shootout against Egypt’s Pharaohs, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two crucial spot kicks.

Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City were denied by the Chippa United shot-stopper to give Nigeria their ninth AFCON bronze medal.

At the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 17, 2026, Nigeria’s goalkeeper #23 Stanley Nwabali reacts after saving the penalty saved by Egypt’s forward #10 Mohamed Salah (unseen) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) third-place football match between Nigeria and Egypt. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)

After 90 minutes, Ademola Lookman converted the final spot kick to give Nigeria the victory in Casablanca, taking advantage of Nwabali’s saves.

Mohammed claimed that the victory adds to Nigeria’s rich history in Africa’s most important football competition.

He said, “You had discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit when you competed, especially when you faced strong teams.” &nbsp,

Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice, to our coaches, support staff, and each and every player who donned the green and white jersey. You persevered despite difficulties and gave your all. “&nbsp,

The minister told the team that “this bronze medal is earned with dignity and effort” after the country lost to Morocco in a heartbreaking semifinal penalty shootout on Wednesday. &nbsp,

Every Nigerian who praised, backed, and remained with you throughout this competition, “it belongs not just to you but to everyone else,” he said. &nbsp,