Nigeria’s Super Eagles wrapped up their AFCON 2025 campaign with yet another bronze medal, and while it was not the title many hoped for, the reaction from fans tells a deeper story of pride, standards, and belief.
The 4-2 penalty shootout win over Egypt after a goalless draw in Casablanca sealed Nigeria’s ninth third-place victory in AFCON history, with Ademola Lookman converting the decisive kick. SoftFootball captured the moment as Lookman stepped up to confirm another podium finish for the Super Eagles.
The result also meant Nigeria finished the tournament unbeaten in regulation and extra time across seven matches, a detail not lost on supporters. Much of the praise centred on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose early saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush shifted momentum during the shootout.
The bronze finish also softened the disappointment of Nigeria’s semi-final exit to Morocco, a match decided on penalties and reported earlier by SoftFootball. On X, fans wasted no time pointing out where the game was won. One user, Jay Ademola, aimed to single out the defining moment of the match by crediting the goalkeeper’s composure under pressure.
He summed it up plainly:
All thanks to Nwabali making 2 saves (Salah and Marmoush).
Another supporter, JAGA, took a broader view, reflecting on Nigeria’s high expectations as a football nation. His intention was to remind others that only a country with deep football history could treat bronze as a disappointment.
He wrote:
Imagine a country so big that finishing 3rd means failure.
We’re truly the giant of Africa.
Some reactions carried a hint of frustration mixed with hindsight. KODA focused on earlier decisions in the tournament, particularly the semi-final loss, suggesting Nigeria’s strength from the spot was not fully used at the right time.
He stated:
We had such good penalty takers and we took them off against Morocco.
Others were simply relieved Nigeria did not leave Morocco empty-handed. Pamela Taiye Ilekhuoba framed the bronze as deserved justice for a strong campaign, especially given the team’s overall performances.
She said:
Yes Nigeria is arguably the best team in this tournament and it would be bad if they went home empty handed.
Good one.
Thank you Nwabali.
There was also a familiar tone of acceptance from long-time followers. Adetunji Jamiu leaned into history, noting how often Nigeria seem to thrive in third-place playoffs.
His words captured that pattern clearly:
Nigeria Super Eagles have won their usual Trophy at the African Cup of Nations. We always get the third place win no matter against who.
In the end, this bronze felt less like consolation and more like confirmation of Nigeria’s enduring presence at the top of African football.
