The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, but in an unusual turn of events, the players were not present to receive their bronze medals during the official ceremony.
The Victory and the Swift Departure
Nigeria claimed the bronze medal after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving two crucial penalties, including one from Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
However, shortly after the match concluded, the majority of the Super Eagles squad departed Morocco to return to their respective clubs across Europe and beyond. This meant they were not in the country for the tournament's closing ceremony and medal presentation, which was held the following day, Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the capital city of Rabat.
Official Reason for the Absence
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) provided the official explanation for the team's absence. In communication with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the NFF stated that the players could not make the trip from Casablanca to Rabat for the medal presentation as most had already left to rejoin their clubs.
This decision sparked immediate discussion, with many questioning the logistics. Sports journalist Tobi Adepoju highlighted the issue on social media platform X, noting, "CAF decided to present the Bronze medals in Rabat... the NFF informed CAF that they won't be able to travel... as most players have opted to return to their club base." He suggested it would have been more practical for CAF to present the medals immediately after the third-place match in Casablanca.
Fan Reactions and Criticism
The situation drew mixed reactions from football fans and commentators. Some criticized the players and the NFF for a perceived lack of respect for the tournament.
One fan, @FinanceNormad, commented, "It is disrespectful to the Body and the tournament for them to leave. Maybe it's their own way of expressing their dissatisfaction." Others directed their frustration at CAF's organization. User @eboseiyere pointed out the logistical flaw: "The 3rd place match should have been played in Rabat, instead of the Super Eagles traveling up and down by road."
Another user, @OdutoluTimothy, compared it to European standards, stating, "European teams won't even allow their players go through the stress." The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the planning and execution of continental tournaments.
Despite the medal ceremony absence, the bronze medal win marks Nigeria's ninth third-place finish in AFCON history. The team maintained a perfect record in third-place playoff matches. Coach Eric Chelle, who confirmed he would discuss his future with the NFF after the tournament, oversaw a campaign where Nigeria played seven matches, recording five wins and two draws.
