The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has explained why the Super Eagles players did not receive their bronze medals after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.
Nigeria finished third at the tournament following a victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff, but players from both teams were absent during the medal presentation held after the final between Senegal and Morocco.
According to Gusau, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in conjunction with the Local Organising Committee, had scheduled the presentation of medals and certificates for the third- and fourth-placed teams to take place after the final match.
However, logistical challenges prevented both Nigeria and Egypt from being represented at the ceremony.
“The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to come back after Saturday’s game,” Gusau revealed.
He further confirmed that the medals have already been handed over to the respective football federations.
“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,” he added.
The Super Eagles returned home shortly after the third-place match as several players were required to rejoin their clubs in Europe and other leagues, making it impossible for them to remain for the final-day formalities.
Despite the absence from the podium ceremony, Nigeria’s third-place finish marked a strong showing at the tournament and earned the team significant prize money and continental recognition.
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