Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has expressed immense pride in the Nigerian national team's performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following their bronze medal victory.
A Hard-Fought Bronze Medal Finish
Nigeria concluded their tournament journey on a high note, clinching third place after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over Egypt at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. The tense third-place playoff saw no goals during regular time, pushing the match directly to penalties. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving crucial spot-kicks from Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to secure the win for the Super Eagles.
This victory marks Nigeria's ninth bronze medal in AFCON history, a record that surpasses any other nation on the continent. Although the team fell short of the final after a semifinal loss to hosts Morocco, Lookman emphasized the positive aspects of their campaign.
Lookman's Verdict on Team Performance and Unity
In his assessment, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year highlighted the team's offensive prowess and collective spirit. "It was a good competition from us. We scored a lot of goals, we created a lot of chances. We played some good football. We can be proud of what we have done," Lookman stated.
He acknowledged the initial goal was the trophy but found value in the podium finish. "Everyone wanted to win the gold medal, we came for the trophy but it didn’t happen. We leave that tournament with the bronze medal, and that is enough," he added, praising the team's determination.
Beyond the result, Lookman pointed to the squad's remarkable unity as a key takeaway. "We’re all in this together. That’s what we want, for everyone to stay united, stick together, and support each other," the Atalanta forward remarked, underscoring the cohesive environment within the camp.
Individual Brilliance and Expert Backing
Lookman personally had a standout tournament, finishing as one of the most impactful attackers. He recorded three goals and four assists across seven appearances, earning two Man of the Match awards and driving Nigeria's offensive efforts throughout.
His positive evaluation of the team's performance is echoed by Nigerian football expert Bright Akpotabor. In a chat with Legit.ng, Akpotabor asserted that Nigerians should be proud of the Super Eagles. "They represented the country well and even came back home with a medal when many did not give them a chance before the tournament," he said, also crediting coach Eric Chelle for building a formidable team.
It is worth noting that for the bronze medal match, Coach Eric Chelle rotated his squad, with both Lookman and Victor Osimhen starting on the bench, showcasing the team's depth. Nigeria entered the tournament ranked as an outsider behind favorites like Morocco and Senegal, who contested the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
