The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for clinching the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, to secure third place in the continental tournament, describing the feat as a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians.

Akpabio conveyed his message in a statement released on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

He said, “The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance. Your victory is a testament to the talent and resilience that Nigeria is renowned for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.

“I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours. Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.

“Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.”

The Senate President’s commendation comes amid widespread praise for the national team’s resilience and character following a challenging AFCON campaign that saw Nigeria narrowly miss out on a place in the final.

Nigeria secured a record-extending ninth Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs, two of Africa’s most decorated football nations, were inseparable after 90 minutes of attritional football, with both sides failing to find a breakthrough in regulation time before the contest was decided from the spot.

The victory preserved Nigeria’s flawless record in AFCON third-place play-offs, as the Super Eagles have now won all eight such matches they have contested.

Nigeria entered the match seeking consolation after their dramatic semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco, where they lost 4–2 on penalties following another goalless draw.

Egypt, on the other hand, were aiming to bounce back from a narrow 1–0 semi-final loss to Senegal, which brought an end to their long-standing dominance at that stage of the competition.