AFCON Bronze: Southern Governors’ Forum Commends Brave Super Eagles

The Southern Governors’ Forum has showered strong praise on Nigeria’s Super Eagles following their impressive bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the team’s campaign as a powerful display of resilience, bravery, and national honour.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, led the commendation, applauding the national team for what he termed an inspiring and courageous outing that reflected the true spirit of Nigerian football.

According to the Ogun State Governor, the Super Eagles delivered one of the most exciting and commanding performances of the entire tournament. He emphasized that Nigeria remained unbeaten during regulation time across all their matches, recording victories in every game except the semi-final encounter, which was ultimately settled through a penalty shootout.

Governor Abiodun further highlighted the team’s remarkable statistics, noting that Nigeria emerged as the highest goal-scoring side in the group stage while maintaining a solid defensive record by conceding no goals in the knockout rounds before the semi-final. He described these achievements as clear evidence of the squad’s discipline, tactical strength, and the enduring quality of Nigerian football on the continental stage.

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum also praised the mental toughness and determination displayed by the Super Eagles, particularly during their convincing victory over Egypt’s Pharaohs in the third-place playoff. He acknowledged that the team overcame several challenges, including what he described as questionable officiating during the semi-final match against Morocco, the controversial confiscation of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel, and the hostile atmosphere created by the home supporters.

Despite these setbacks, Governor Abiodun noted that the Eagles remained composed and focused, ultimately securing a deserved bronze medal finish. He stated that their performance reignited national pride and served as a reminder of Nigeria’s rich and respected football heritage.

“Members of the Southern Governors’ Forum, alongside Nigerians from every part of our great country, are deeply proud of these courageous Eagles,” Abiodun said.

“They were not beaten by any team within regulation time. If not for officiating decisions that affected morale, they could have reached the final. Nevertheless, they showed character, rose above adversity, and finished the tournament with honour and dignity.”

He added that the team’s style of play thrilled millions of Nigerians and football enthusiasts across Africa, restoring the excitement, creativity, and boldness that once made Nigerian football feared and admired.

“They entertained us. They battled relentlessly for every ball. They brought back memories of the classic Super Eagles—confident, expressive, inventive, and decisively effective. Above all, they gave Nigerians something invaluable: renewed hope and pride,” he stated.

Governor Abiodun also acknowledged that although the team narrowly missed out on lifting the AFCON trophy, their exit via penalties highlighted the unpredictable nature of football.

“They may not have lifted the cup, but penalty shootouts can go either way. What truly stands out is the passion they showed, the unity within the squad, and the belief they restored in our national team,” he added.

He concluded by expressing strong confidence in the future of Nigerian football, noting that the Super Eagles, under the leadership of head coach Eric Chelle, have rekindled optimism among Nigerians and laid a strong foundation for greater achievements ahead.

“Our Eagles have delivered their message through their performance. The future remains bright, and Nigeria will rise again on both the continental and global football stage,” he said.