AFCON: Eagles Finish Third as Concerns Mount Over Nigerian Football
Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco in third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place match following a goalless draw. While the bronze medal avoided a fourth-place finish, the outcome has renewed debate over the steady decline of Nigerian football.
The Eagles had earlier lost to hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, crushing hopes of reaching the final. The result followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major setback for a nation long regarded as one of Africa’s football powers.
Although Nigeria showed early promise by winning all three group games and beating Algeria 2–0 in the quarter-finals, the campaign lost momentum in the knockout stages. Reports of internal disagreements and delayed payment of players’ allowances emerged, highlighting long-standing administrative problems within the football system.
Reactions to the third-place finish have been divided. While some government officials congratulated the team for winning bronze, many fans and analysts criticised the celebrations, arguing that Nigeria should be targeting titles, not consolation prizes.
The Super Eagles are currently under the management of Éric Chelle, who took charge last year. Under him, the team has shown slight improvement, including a rise in the latest FIFA rankings. However, crucial defeats to DR Congo and Morocco on penalties have cost Nigeria a place at the World Cup and an AFCON final, raising fresh questions about the team’s direction.
With countries like Morocco and Senegal investing heavily in youth development, infrastructure and administration, football stakeholders are urging Nigeria to adopt long-term reforms. Calls are growing for stronger grassroots programmes, better-organised school sports, stable funding and timely payment of players to restore discipline and competitiveness.
For many observers, the Eagles’ bronze medal is not a moment for celebration but a reminder that Nigerian football urgently needs rebuilding from the ground up.
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