AFCON 2025: Tinubu Congratulates Super Eagles on Bronze Medal Finish, Describes Achievement as “Good as Gold”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, following their third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Morocco. In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday, the President described the team’s bronze medal achievement as one that “surely feels good like gold,” praising the players for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
The message was conveyed in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, under the title “President Tinubu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON bronze medal.” According to the statement, Tinubu applauded the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco and returning strongly to claim third place.
Nigeria secured the bronze medal after defeating Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, via penalty shootout. The match ended goalless after regulation time, with the Super Eagles dominating large portions of play but unable to convert their chances before penalties decided the encounter. The victory ensured Nigeria ended the tournament on a positive note after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, President Tinubu acknowledged the emotional setback caused by the semi-final loss but emphasized the players’ ability to regroup and finish the competition with pride. He stated that despite the dashed hopes of winning the championship, the Super Eagles remained undeterred and demonstrated the resilience commonly associated with the Nigerian spirit.
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“Our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” the President said. He added that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their bronze medals in Rabat, describing the achievement as hard-earned and deserving of celebration.
Tinubu further praised the team for embodying values such as determination, persistence, and a can-do attitude, which he described as hallmarks of Nigeria’s national identity. He thanked the players for their efforts and for representing the country with commitment on the continental stage.
However, the President’s characterization of the bronze medal as being “good like gold” has generated significant debate among Nigerians, particularly on social media and public forums. While some citizens welcomed the message as a show of encouragement and appreciation for the players’ efforts, others criticized the phrasing, arguing that it appeared to lower standards or normalize settling for less than first place.
Critics questioned the appropriateness of equating a third-place finish with a championship victory, insisting that while the team deserved commendation, clear distinctions between podium positions should remain. Supporters of the President’s remarks, on the other hand, interpreted the statement as symbolic rather than literal, suggesting it was meant to boost morale and recognize the team’s perseverance rather than diminish the value of winning gold.
The reactions also reflected broader frustrations among sections of the public regarding governance, leadership, and accountability, with some commentators using the football achievement as a platform to express unrelated political grievances. Others urged Nigerians to separate sports from politics and focus on celebrating the team’s success against a formidable opponent like Egypt.
Nigeria’s bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025 adds to the country’s long history in the competition and reinforces its status as one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. While expectations remain high for future tournaments, the Super Eagles’ performance in Morocco has been widely acknowledged as competitive and commendable, particularly given the intensity of the matches and the quality of opposition faced.
As preparations begin for upcoming international fixtures, attention will now turn to how lessons from AFCON 2025 can be applied to strengthen the team and aim for greater success in future continental and global competitions.