Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed pride in the performance of the Super Eagles after they finished their campaign at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament with the bronze medal win over Egypt, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria banished their penalty shootout demons to claim third place over the Pharaohs at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
It was their ninth bronze medal in the history of the tournament, which is the most of any team, as they bowed out from Morocco on a high note.
Nwabali heroics caps impressive AFCON tournament for Nigeria
Nigeria had suffered an agonizing penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semifinal last Wednesday, ending their hopes of winning a fourth AFCON crown.
Against Egypt on Saturday, they started without several regulars and enjoyed the better chances on the day.
The Super Eagles had two goals chalked off in the clash, one in each half as they asserted their dominance on the fixture.
The three-time champions had a first goal ruled out for a foul in the buildup in the first half, before Ademola Lookman’s effort after the restart was also canceled for offside.
The game ended goalless and went into penalties. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed first for Nigeria, who looked set to lose another penalty shootout, but Stanley Nwabali saved from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to give them the advantage.
Lookman stepped up and converted the winning kick as the Super Eagles won bronze medal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
It was also their 17th podium finish in AFCON history, while they also finished with six wins from their seven matches and 14 goals scored.
Chelle hails Super Eagles AFCON 2025 tournament
Eric Chelle, whose future as head coach of the Super Eagles remain uncertain, praised the players’ for a very impressive tournament in Morocco.
“I was so disappointed for my players because they gave everything during this AFCON and this moment I’m very proud of them,” Chelle said.
“I’m very proud to be the coach of Nigeria, we gave everything for one month and it’s so good right now because it wasn’t easy but I’m very proud of them, they’ve earned my respect.
“I’m disappointed we couldn’t bring the trophy to Nigeria but hopefully we will bring it in the next edition.”
