NFF President Explains Why Super Eagles Missed AFCON 2025 Medal Ceremony

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has addressed why the Super Eagles players were absent from the medal ceremony following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Nigeria secured third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in Saturday’s playoff, marking the country’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history—the highest ever. However, the players were not present to receive their bronze medals during Sunday’s final between Morocco and Senegal.

Gusau explained that the players were under pressure from their clubs to return immediately after the playoff match, preventing them from staying for the ceremony. Speaking on the matter, he told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana via X, “The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to come back after Saturday’s game.”

He added that the situation was not unique to Nigeria, noting that Egypt faced similar challenges with their players. “I have the medals in my possession. And this is the case for Egypt too, not just us. Had the medal ceremony taken place on the day of the match, they would have had the medals,” Gusau said.

The NFF president’s statement clarifies that the absence of the Nigerian squad was due to logistical and club obligations rather than any disciplinary or organizational issue. The Super Eagles’ victory over Egypt secured their place in AFCON history, even if the team missed the formal recognition on the podium.