“Sh*cking Revelation: Here’s Why Super Eagles Missed Out On Bronze Medal Ceremony

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has explained why the Super Eagles were absent from the medal presentation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria secured third place at the tournament on Saturday, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the bronze medal match. However, during the final between Morocco and Senegal on Sunday, the Super Eagles players were noticeably absent from the podium.

Gusau revealed that the players could not stay for the ceremony due to pressure from their European clubs, which demanded their immediate return following the playoff match.

“The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to come back after Saturday’s game,” Gusau said, as reported on by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Monday.

The NFF president also noted that this issue was not unique to Nigeria, pointing out that Egypt faced a similar challenge.

“I have the medals in my possession. And this is the case for Egypt too, not just us. Had the medal ceremony been held on the day of the match, they would have received their medals,” he explained.

Despite missing the ceremony, Nigeria’s triumph solidifies their record as the most successful third-place finishers in AFCON history, with the Super Eagles claiming their ninth bronze medal at the continental tournament.