President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has lauded the Super Eagles for a brilliant campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of their third-place play-off match against Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles were immaculate on their way to the semi-final, recording five convincing wins and bagging an impressive tally of 14 goals within that period.
However, that last four clash against host nation Morocco proved to be their Achilles heel, as Eric Chelle’s men came up short during the penalty shootout that followed a 120 minutes goalless draw in Rabat.
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With the Super Eagles now set to take on the Pharaohs of Egypt in the bronze final on Saturday, January 17, Gusau expressed pride in the team’s overall campaign before stressing the importance of finishing on a high note.
“It is important to retain focus by not continuing to dwell on what happened in the semi final match,” Gusau said in quotes revealed by the NFF’s office website.
“As far as we are concerned, the team coped well in the circumstances, navigating a number of challenges and playing their game.
“Penalty shootouts remain lotteries in the game and it could have gone either way. Two years ago, they won their semi-final match of the AFCON after a penalty shootout. This time, it was not meant to be.
“The NFF is proud of the output of the team at this championship. They gave their best and still remain the team to have scored the most goals here.
“We will talk to them to pick up their morale and go for the bronze so that they will have something from a tournament in which they have done so well.”
Nigeria lost their last encounter with Egypt, just days before the start of the competition. However, a perfect record in AFCON third-place play-off matches will gives the Super Eagles plenty of confidence heading into this one.
