The Southern Governors’ Forum has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their impressive bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the team’s performance as a triumph of courage, resilience and national pride.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a statement, praised the Eagles for what he described as one of the most exhilarating and dominant displays of football at the continental tournament.
Abiodun noted that the Super Eagles went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final encounter, which was decided by penalties.
According to him, Nigeria’s record of scoring the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceding none in the knockout rounds before the semi-final was a clear testament to the team’s quality, discipline and enduring football excellence.
The governor also commended the Eagles’ mental strength and resilience, particularly their emphatic victory over Egypt in the third-place match, despite what he described as unfair officiating in the semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, the controversial seizure of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel, and the intense pressure from the home crowd.
He said the team’s performance rekindled national pride and reminded the world of Nigeria’s rich footballing heritage.
“Members of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Nigerians from every corner of our great nation are immensely proud of these brave Eagles,” Abiodun said.
“They were not defeated in regulation time by any team. But for officiating decisions that dampened morale, they would have stood tall in the final. Yet, they rose above adversity and finished strong, with dignity and honour.”
Abiodun added that the Super Eagles captivated millions of Nigerians and football lovers across Africa, restoring the joy, flair and fearlessness that once defined Nigerian football.
“They dazzled us. They fought for every ball. They reminded the world of the Super Eagles of old – free-flowing, fearless, creative and ruthlessly clinical. They gave Nigerians something priceless: hope and pride,” he said.
While acknowledging that the trophy narrowly eluded the team, the governor noted that the semi-final exit on penalties underscored the fine margins that often decide football matches.
“Yes, they did not lift the cup, but penalties can swing either way. What truly matters is the heart they showed, the unity they displayed, and the belief they restored in our national team,” he added.
Abiodun expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian football, stating that the Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle have laid a solid foundation for greater achievements.
“Our Eagles have spoken with their feet. The future is bright, and Nigeria will rise again on the continental and global stage,” he said.
