By Joy Onu
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have once again showcased the nation’s indomitable spirit, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), joined over 200 million Nigerians in celebrating the team’s remarkable achievement on Saturday evening. He described the victory as “particularly sweet” because it came against the seven-time African champions, extending Nigeria’s unbeaten record in AFCON third-place matches to nine consecutive wins.
“The Hero of Casablanca, Stanley Nwabali, has written his name into Nigerian football folklore,” Kida said. “To save penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in a high-stakes shootout requires nerves of steel and the heart of a lion. Nwabali showed both in abundance. His heroics at the Mohammed V Stadium will be remembered for generations.”
Kida also praised Ademola Lookman, whose composure in converting the winning penalty sealed Nigeria’s triumph, along with Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams, who all “stepped up when it mattered most.” He described the team’s performance as the embodiment of the Nigerian spirit: “When one stumbles, another rises; when the pressure mounts, we stand tallest.”
Highlighting the team’s overall performance in the tournament, Kida noted that the Super Eagles won all five group and knockout matches before the semi-final and scored 14 goals—the highest in the competition. While resting star striker Victor Osimhen in the bronze medal match, Nigeria showcased its depth and resilience. Kida commended Coach Eric Chelle and his technical team for keeping morale high after the semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Speaking on the future of Nigerian football, Kida reiterated his commitment to sports development. “Football is Nigeria’s heartbeat. With this extraordinary human capital, we possess everything needed to dominate African football for generations. What stands between potential and sustained greatness is systematic investment that transforms raw talent into consistent excellence.” He pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, and other stakeholders to channel resources into grassroots development, modern training facilities, and coaching academies nationwide.
Kida added a message of hope and unity, saying, “To the Super Eagles: you have made us proud. Wear your bronze medals with honour, for you earned them through sweat, sacrifice, and the unbreakable Nigerian spirit.
To every Nigerian who cheered, who prayed, who believed: this medal belongs to all of us. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations awaits, and Nigeria will be ready.”
