Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, has said that the Super Eagles had a clear goal of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, he said the team has accepted the bronze medal won at the tournament, adding that it is enough.
Nigeria achieved a podium finish by narrowly beating Egypt 4–2 on penalties on Saturday night, with the Atalanta player staying calm to successfully convert the final penalty kick.
Before the semifinals, the three-time African champions were the only team that had not lost any game, having won five matches in a row.
The Super Eagles’ perfect run ended sadly when they lost to the host country, Morocco, in a tough penalty shootout.
They were very close to reaching the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but it was not to be, as they settled for third place.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Lookman said: “Everyone wanted to win the gold medal. We came for the trophy, but it didn’t happen.
“We leave the tournament with the bronze medal, and that is enough.”
Lookman scored three goals and provided four assists at AFCON 2025, more than any other player at the tournament in Morocco, and he is likely to be included in the official Team of the Tournament.
The Super Eagles have finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations nine times, in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2019.
However, Lookman’s national teammate, Alex Iwobi, said he does not like the idea of playing a third-place match. Iwobi wants a winner-takes-all format, as practiced in Europe and the Americas.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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