AFCON 2025: Super Eagles battle Egypt for another ‘Golden Bronze’

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The Super Eagles will participate in a third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations for the ninth time.

Additionally, the script has grown rather recognizable.

Prior to the event, there were minimal or no expectations of them. Eventually, they start to provide fans hopeful updates before losing in the semifinals.

The retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong clouded Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 tournament.

Benjamin Fredericks, who was showing promise as Troost-Ekong’s replacement, sustained a muscular injury. Long before all of this, Ola Aina was already receiving treatment.

Calvin Bassey became the new leader at the back amid concerns about the center defense, giving Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman the opportunity to flourish.

Let’s avoid becoming too technical. Before losing to their hosts, Morocco, in the final four, the Eagles displayed some excellent football.

“I think this Super Eagles team have come a long way from the Peseiro AFCON outing,” Ogbemi Rewane, the producer of the Dante & Ogbe podcast, tells ZINGTIE.

“I saw a more cohesive team from the last competition.

“Although the signs were already showing during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they played like they needed more time training together.

“I’m guessing this competition has showcased how valid that was and that they’re heading in the right direction.

“Compared to our last showing at AFCON, we had more goals per match, more chances per match, and more dominant performances.

“I also like the deployment of tactical innovations in the team and how creatively the squad was utilized.

“Instead of Osimhen being the tip of the spear all the time, Akor was used as a foil for Osimhen and/or a second outlet for goals.

“And our matches weren’t always reliant on individual brilliance. Even the lineups reflected a more insightful understanding of the squad.

“The Super Eagles are blessed with attackers and defenders, but have a lack of elite technical talent in the midfield. But they were able to create a game model that made the best of what they had.”

Nigerians have grown accustomed to the “Golden Bronze” medal over time due to their frequent appearance in the third-place playoffs.

On Saturday, the Eagles will play Egypt this year.

“Unfortunately, I’m a bit worried we might not win the Egypt match,” Ogbemi admits.

“This is due to the absence of Bassey and also the potential drop in morale from losing against Morocco.

“Egypt is a good team in front of goal and we would have our work cut out for us.

“But for the first time in a long time, I’m confident that the Super Eagles have a chance to beat any opponent.

“So, as long as the team finds a way to mitigate these challenges, we stand a good chance of coming away with a win.

“I would say I’m expecting both teams to score and maybe a two-goal lead, fingers crossed it’s to the Super Eagles.”

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