Coach Eric Chelle has commended his players’ resilience after bouncing back from a semi-final loss to hosts Morocco to beat Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place play-off on Saturday.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to claim bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

The third-place match ended goalless after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged Nigeria’s hero, making decisive saves to secure the podium finish for the Eagles. 

In reaction, Chelle praised his players’ resilience describing the victory as uneasy, but worth it.

“Being a coach is never easy. I felt disappointment before, but today I feel great pride in these players.

“They gave everything until exhaustion. I am proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team,” he said. 

Chelle described the bronze medal as being the product of months of hard work and collective sacrifice.

“This achievement did not come by chance. It came from a full year of continuous work and belief,” he said.

The coach highlighted the challenges of team management and unity within the squad.

“Building a strong group is difficult, Managing personalities needs patience, and the players responded perfectly,” Chelle noted.

He said that the team’s effort went beyond the third-place match.

“This is not a one-night story, it is part of a longer journey for the future of this team,” he said.

Chelle also harped on the importance of experimentation and learning, during the tournament.

“We tried different ideas, some worked, some did not, but that is how teams grow,” he said.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the Eagles’ prospects.

“This team has character, commitment and a strong future; We will build on this experience,” he said. 

(NAN)