The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has revealed why the Super Eagles skipped the medal ceremony at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles secured third place after beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties. However, the players were noticeably absent during the ceremony after the final match between Senegal and Morocco.
Gusau disclosed that the players could not stay back due to pressure from their clubs, who insisted on immediate return after their playoff match.
The NFF President, who was quoted in a post on X on Monday by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, added that Egypt faced the same challenge.
“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 stated.
