President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for Saturday’s bronze medal victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner 4-2, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated.

The President, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco last Wednesday.
Tinubu stated that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country.

According to the President: “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”

Arsenal opened up a seven-point Premier League lead despite failing to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest in a 0-0 draw at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Gunners had the chance to stretch into a nine-point advantage after Manchester City lost 2-0 at local rivals Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off.

Arsenal were made to pay for a lacklustre first-half performance as Forest held out to boost their own chances of survival.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men remain in a promising position to end a 22-year wait to win the title.

Forest boss Sean Dyche had blasted his side for their first-half performance in crashing out to second-tier Wrexham in the FA Cup last weekend.

Dyche received the response he craved as the home side battled hard to edge five points clear of the relegation zone.

City have failed to apply any pressure to Arsenal during a four-game winless Premier League run since the turn of the year.

But back-to-back goalless draws against Liverpool and Forest has prevented Arsenal from building a big lead.

Third-placed Aston Villa could narrow the gap at the top to four points should they beat Everton on Sunday.

The visitors did not have a shot on target in the first half.

It was not until Arteta flexed his strength in depth off the bench in the second period that Forest began to be stretched.

Leandro Trossard was introduced at the break with Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus all brought on before the hour mark.

Saka came closest to breaking the deadlock when his looping header from Declan Rice’s cross was brilliantly turned behind by goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Merino should have scored but could not turn Rice’s inviting free-kick delivery on target.

Arsenal were able to rely on their solid defence to at least edge further clear at the top, thanks to an 11th clean sheet in 22 league games.

AFP

Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the day, saving two penalties as the Super Eagles beat Egypt to win bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The game ended goalless after 90 minutes and headed into penalties. The Chippa United goalkeeper saved Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush’s efforts as the Super Eagles won 2-4.

Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.

Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.

Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third-place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.

Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.

Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.

Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco, respectively three days ago.

Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.

Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.

Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.

This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.

Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.

Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidentally struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian was yellow-carded.

Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.

Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.

But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.

In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.

Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.