AFCON 2025: NFF explains absence of Super Eagles at bronze medal ceremony

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

Nigeria secured the bronze medal on Saturday after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff. However, the players were noticeably missing from the medal presentation held on Sunday after the final between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

Addressing the issue, Gusau said the players were unable to remain in camp due to pressure from their European clubs, which demanded their immediate return following the playoff match.

Gusau, who spoke in a statement quoted by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, explained that the situation was not exclusive to Nigeria, as Egypt faced similar challenges.

“The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to return immediately after Saturday’s game,” Gusau said.

He added that the medals were already in his possession and would be handed over to the players at a later time.

“I have the medals with me. And this situation affected Egypt as well, not just Nigeria. If the medal ceremony had taken place on the same day as the match, the players would have received them,” he explained.

Nigeria’s victory over Egypt marked the Super Eagles’ ninth third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations — the highest by any country in the history of the tournament.