NFF explains why Super Eagles missed AFCON bronze medal ceremony

Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has provided clarification on why the Super Eagles players were absent from the medal presentation after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria secured third place on Saturday by defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout, yet the squad did not participate in Sunday’s medal ceremony that followed the final between Morocco and Senegal.

Addressing the situation, Gusau revealed that the players had to leave immediately due to pressure from their respective clubs, which required them to return promptly after the playoff.

Speaking to the matter, Gusau, as cited in a post on X by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Monday, emphasized that Nigeria was not alone in facing this challenge, noting that Egypt dealt with a similar situation.

“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 stated.

“I currently have the medals with me. And this is also the case for Egypt, not only Nigeria. If the medal ceremony had occurred on the same day as the match, the players would have received them.”

This win marked Nigeria’s ninth time finishing third at the AFCON, the highest number of bronze medals in the tournament’s history.