The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has showered glowing praise on Nigeria’s Super Eagles following their impressive performance and bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the team’s campaign as a triumph of courage, unity, and national pride.
Governor Abiodun said the Super Eagles’ performance throughout the tournament rekindled hope among Nigerians and reminded the world of the country’s enduring football heritage. According to him, the team’s resilience and character, even in the face of adversity, stood as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s fighting spirit.
In a statement released after the tournament, the Ogun State governor commended the Eagles for playing what many football analysts and fans described as some of the most exciting and dominant football witnessed during the competition.
He noted that Nigeria completed the tournament unbeaten in regulation time, winning all their matches except the semi-final encounter, which was eventually decided by penalties.
“The Super Eagles were not defeated by any team in open play throughout the tournament,” Abiodun stated. “Their journey was defined by discipline, belief, and the courage to confront every challenge head-on.”
The governor highlighted the team’s impressive statistics, pointing out that Nigeria scored the highest number of goals during the group stage and conceded none in the knockout rounds prior to the semi-final clash. He described the record as clear evidence of the squad’s quality, tactical organisation, and mental toughness.
According to him, the Eagles’ performance reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
Governor Abiodun also reserved special praise for the team’s resilience following a controversial semi-final match against host nation Morocco. He referenced what he described as questionable officiating decisions, including the controversial seizure of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel, as well as the intense hostility from the home crowd.
Despite these setbacks, he said, the Super Eagles showed remarkable maturity and professionalism by regrouping to secure an emphatic victory over seven-time champions Egypt in the third-place playoff match.
Their penalty shootout win over the Pharaohs, he noted, was a testament to the team’s mental strength and determination to end the tournament on a high note.
“The courage they displayed after such disappointment speaks volumes about their character,” Abiodun said. “They rose above adversity and finished the competition with dignity and honour.”
The Ogun State governor stated that members of the Southern Governors’ Forum joined millions of Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora in celebrating the team’s achievement.
“From every corner of our great nation, Nigerians are immensely proud of these brave Eagles,” he said.
He added that the team’s campaign restored confidence in the national side and united Nigerians at a time when the country yearned for moments of collective pride.
“They reminded us of who we are as a footballing nation,” Abiodun noted. “They brought back the joy, flair, and fearlessness that once defined Nigerian football.”
According to him, the Super Eagles captivated football lovers across Africa with their energetic displays, creative attacking play, and unwavering fighting spirit.
“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,” he said. “Above all, they gave Nigerians something priceless: renewed belief.”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged that while the AFCON trophy narrowly slipped away, football is often decided by fine margins.
“Yes, they did not lift the cup,” he stated, “but penalties can go either way. What truly matters is the heart they showed, the unity they displayed, and the confidence they restored in our national team.”
He stressed that the bronze medal finish should be viewed not as a disappointment, but as a strong foundation for future success.
The governor further expressed optimism about the future of the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle, describing the team’s performance as a clear sign of progress and stability.
According to him, the technical crew and players have laid a solid platform for Nigeria’s return to continental and global dominance.
“Our Eagles have spoken with their feet,” Abiodun said. “They have reignited hope in the hearts of Nigerians. The future is bright, and Nigeria will rise again.”
He concluded by urging continued support for the team, emphasizing that sustained investment, unity, and patience would be key to transforming promise into silverware.
As celebrations continue across the country, many Nigerians agree that the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign has restored confidence in the national team and reawakened belief in Nigeria’s football destiny.
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