NFF Explains Super Eagles’ Absence at AFCON Bronze Ceremony

Nigeria’s Super Eagles missed the bronze medal ceremony at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after club demands forced their early departure, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said. Nigeria secured third place by beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties, but the players were absent when medals were presented after the final.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau explained that the players “could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday… Their clubs were already after them”. He added, “I have the medals in my possession… this is the case for Egypt too”. The win marked Nigeria ninth third-place finish, in AFCON history.