Nigeria AFCON Third-place Finish Builds Foundation For The Team's Future

Nigeria secured third place at the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense goalless draw with Egypt was settled 4-2 on penalties, and Eric Chelle insists the performance across the tournament now gives the Super Eagles a clear platform for future progress despite recent setbacks.

The win in Morocco delivered Nigeria a 17th podium finish at AFCON from 21 appearances, underlining consistent continental strength even though the team has not lifted the trophy since 2013, and arriving soon after Nigeria missed qualification for this summer's World Cup.

Nigeria’s overall AFCON record places the team among the most reliable contenders in African football, with three titles, five runner-up finishes and nine third-place results, the latter figure more than

double any other nation’s tally in that position, confirming a long-standing habit of reaching the latter stages.

That AFCON pedigree contrasts with recent World Cup disappointment, as Nigeria lost out to DR Congo in the qualifying play-off route for the inter-confederation play-offs, leading to a second straight absence from the finals, the first time Nigeria have missed consecutive tournaments since a six-edition gap between 1970 and 1990.

Chelle framed the bronze-medal finish as a result of sustained effort rather than good fortune, saying: "Being a coach is never easy. At one point I felt disappointed, not because the players fell short, but because they gave everything they had until exhaustion," before stressing the pride felt in the group and the role of Nigeria’s national team.

Chelle added further praise for the squad’s efforts, stating: "Today, as I stand here, I feel great pride in them. I am very proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team," while also highlighting how the third-place game forms part of a wider plan and not an isolated success.

17 - Nigeria have finished on the AFCON podium for the 17th time, more than any other African nation Champions: 3 times Runners-up: 5 times Third place: 9 times Pridepic.twitter.com/3ajVhhc4NBOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 17, 2026

AFCON penalty shootout drama, Africa Cup of Nations goalkeeping and Egypt record

The shootout itself extended contrasting AFCON penalty trends, as Egypt slipped to a third straight shootout defeat in the competition after previously winning six such contests in a row, while Stanley Nwabali saved efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to ensure Nigeria did not concede in any knockout match.

Chelle stressed that the performance in Morocco reflected a long spell of preparation rather than a short burst of form, explaining: "This team gave everythingnot only in this match, but over the past two months and throughout a full year of continuous work.What we achieved did not come by chance. There was a great deal of work done by the players. "

The Nigeria boss described the squad-building process and the challenge of managing a diverse dressing room, saying: "Building a strong group is not easy. Managingdifferent personalities requires calm and patience. But the players responded in the best possible way. The players gave everything for me, for the coaching staff, and for the country. "

Chelle also positioned the bronze medal as part of a broader development cycle, noting: "This match is not just a one-night story.It is part of a longer journey that concerns the future of this team. We will build on this experience, and it will be the foundation for the next phase of work. We tried different ideas, tested multiple approaches, and learned from every situation. "

On the opposite bench, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan focused on the narrow margins in knockout football, stating: "It was a very evenly matched game against a strong Nigerian team. Both teams were organised and disciplined throughout the match," while underlining that small details often decide major Africa Cup of Nations fixtures.

Hassan praised Egypt’s conduct despite missing out on third place, explaining: "We managed to control several phases of the game, but in matches like these, things are decided by details. Today, the outcome was determined by penalty kicks. The players showed great character and strong discipline. I am very satisfied with my team's performance and proud of their commitment and the spirit they displayed till the end. Penalty shootouts are part of football. Sometimes they go in your favour, and sometimes they don't, and you have to accept that and keep working. "

For Nigeria, the bronze medal, the clean sheet run in the AFCON knockout rounds and a 17th podium highlight give Chelle and the players a clear reference point, while Egypt leave Morocco encouraged by organisation and mentality despite a third straight penalty shootout loss at the Africa Cup of Nations.