AFCON: NFF Explains Why Super Eagles Missed Bronze Medal Ceremony
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has explained why players of the Super Eagles were absent at the bronze medal ceremony of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, said the players had already returned to their respective clubs before the medal presentation, making it impossible for them to be present.
The Super Eagles secured third place at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in Saturday’s playoff match. However, the bronze medals were scheduled to be presented after Sunday’s final between Morocco and Senegal.
Speaking on the development, Gusau explained that most of the Nigerian players were eager to return to their club sides immediately after the third-place match, as their teams were expecting them back.
“The players could not wait until Sunday to receive their medals,” Gusau said. “Their clubs wanted them to return immediately after Saturday’s game, so I had to collect the medals on their behalf.”
He added that the same situation affected Egypt, noting that if the medal ceremony had been held on the day of the third-place match, both teams would have received their medals on the pitch.
“I have the medals with me,” Gusau stated.
The Super Eagles’ bronze finish marked Nigeria’s latest podium appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, further cementing the team’s status as one of the continent’s most successful sides.
