Gusau: Why Super Eagles players didn’t collect AFCON 2025 bronze medals in Morocco

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has clarified why Super Eagles players did not receive their bronze medals immediately after their third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Gusau revealed that the players were under pressure from their clubs to return quickly after Saturday’s match and could not wait for the medal presentation scheduled for Sunday.

‘The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to come back after Saturday’s game.

‘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,’ Gusau explained.

Nigeria defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal, but the absence of the players at the official ceremony sparked questions among fans and observers.

Gusau’s clarification now confirms that logistical challenges and club commitments were the main reasons behind the unusual situation.

The NFF president assured that the medals are safe and will be handed over to the players.