PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), praising their resilience, determination and display of the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
The President’s congratulatory message followed the Super Eagles’ dramatic victory over seven-time African champions Egypt in the third-place playoff match on Saturday, where Nigeria triumphed via a penalty shootout after dominating regulation time.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria Sport on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the team for bouncing back from the disappointment of their semi-final loss to tournament hosts Morocco earlier in the week.
Despite a strong run throughout the competition, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the AFCON final were dashed on Wednesday after the Super Eagles were narrowly defeated by Morocco in a penalty shootout. However, Tinubu noted that the team refused to be discouraged, showing remarkable resilience in their final outing.
“The Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country,” the President said.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Tinubu acknowledged the pain of the semi-final defeat but praised the players for responding with character and professionalism.
“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,” he said.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.”
The President added that Nigerians would take pride in the team’s achievement as they received their hard-earned bronze medals at the official ceremony scheduled to hold 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,” Tinubu stated.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation to the players and the entire technical crew, the President concluded with a message that resonated with millions of football-loving Nigerians.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”
