Super Eagles Head Home Following Egypt Playoff Win

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

THE Super Eagles of Nigeria are scheduled to arrive in the country on Tuesday following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which wrapped up on Sunday 18 January, in Morocco.

Nigeria ended the tournament on a high note by securing the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff. The result marked Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history, further underlining the team’s consistency at the continental level.

According to official travel arrangements, the team’s delegation is expected to land in Abuja. However, the returning contingent will be smaller than the squad that competed in Morocco, as several players have already departed for Europe to resume club duties.

Key players who have returned to their clubs include Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, team captain Wilfred Ndidi, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, among others. Their early departures were necessitated by ongoing domestic league commitments across Europe.

Those arriving in Nigeria will include members of the technical crew, backroom staff and a number of players who were not immediately required by their clubs. The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to provide further details on post-tournament engagements for the team.

Unlike the aftermath of the 2023 AFCON, where the Super Eagles were received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following their runners-up finish, there has been no presidential invitation for the team after this year’s competition.

At AFCON 2025, Senegal emerged champions, hosts Morocco finished second, while Nigeria completed the podium in third place.