By Kunle Solaja, Rabat

In the midst of speculations that the Tunisian FA could be head-hunting Super Eagles’ manager, Eric Sekou Chelle, the Nigeria Football Federation has indicated intentions to hold tenaciously to the Malian tactician.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has declared that the Super Eagles are close to “running on autopilot” and set for sustained success under head coach Éric Chelle, following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Gusau, who is also President of WAFU B, said the bronze-medal campaign showed that Nigeria had finally turned the corner after the disappointment of consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification failures and was now ready to rise to new heights.

“Actually, when we landed in Morocco, our objective was to win the AFCON trophy,” Gusau said. “We finished in third place, but my joy is in the way the team played – with zest, patriotic fervour, resilience and character.”

The NFF boss paid tribute to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their support, singling out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the backing that made the campaign possible.

He also praised Chelle, the Franco-Malian tactician appointed in January last year, saying the coach had shown “enormous capacity” within a year in charge.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr. Chelle has done exceedingly well. The NFF will continue to encourage, support and motivate the team as we go forward,” Gusau added.

Nigeria finished the tournament with a bronze medal after defeating Egypt on penalties in Casablanca, capping a campaign that restored belief and confidence in the national team.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Goldberg Lager Beer brought the curtain down on its Africa Cup of Nations fan engagement in spectacular fashion on Saturday night as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, turning football drama into a vibrant celebration of culture, music and togetherness.

At the Lion Wonder Arena in Egbeda, Lagos, thousands of fans gathered for the final watch party, which doubled as another colourful edition of Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Light. Football met rhythm and culture in a relaxed, electrifying atmosphere as Nigeria edged the Pharaohs after a tense, goalless 90 minutes.

Goldberg guys and gals add more to the glamour

When Ademola Lookman stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, the arena erupted. Cheers, chants and drumbeats filled the air as fans hugged, raised their bottles of ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer and celebrated a proud podium finish for the Super Eagles.

Fans are having a good outing of the ‘Festival of Drums & Light’ courtesy of Goldberg, the official beer of the Super Eagles.

True to its fan-first promise, Goldberg transformed the venue into a premium viewing experience, with branded spaces, big screens, music zones and comfortable seating that allowed supporters to enjoy every kick together. Even at the height of the shootout tension, the crowd stayed united, singing and drumming in rhythm with the Our Beat, Our Gold campaign.

The celebration went beyond football. Star performances from Small Doctor and Shoday, alongside hit-spinning sets by DJ Neptune, kept the energy high, blending sport and entertainment into one unforgettable night.

Speaking after the event, Laolu Babalola, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, said Goldberg’s passion for football is about more than results.

“Our involvement goes beyond the match scoreline,” he said. “It’s about the experience, the culture, and the pride football brings to Nigerians. Tonight showed once again how football unites us positively and joyfully.”

Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, added that the bronze-medal finish perfectly reflected the spirit of the brand.

“This was about standing with the Super Eagles to the very end,” he said. “The team showed character, and so did the fans. Our Beat, Our Gold is about togetherness – in moments of joy, tension and triumph.”

With the AFCON campaign now concluded, Goldberg says its commitment to Nigerian football and to celebrating the shared rhythm of the fans is only just beginning – because the beat goes on, and the gold continues to shine.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

Nigeria’s bronze medal triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco owed much to Stanley Nwabali. The Super Eagles’ goalkeeper turned himself into a fortress, stringing together four successive clean sheets and going an astonishing 458 minutes without conceding a goal.

From Group Stage Setback to Redemption

Nwabali’s last concession came in the group stage when Uganda’s Roger Mato scored a freak goal 15 minutes from time in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory. Since then, the Chippa United shot-stopper shut the door on every opponent, displaying composure, reflexes, and leadership that inspired confidence in the Nigerian backline.

His performances became the backbone of Nigeria’s resurgence after the disappointment of missing out on the final. In the bronze medal match against Egypt at Casablanca’s Stade Mohamed V, Nwabali was once again unyielding. He denied Trezeguet early on, reacted sharply to Salah’s runs, and commanded his area with authority.

The classification match ended goalless, but Nwabali’s interventions ensured Nigeria stayed alive. When the contest went to penalties, he radiated calmness, setting the tone for the Super Eagles’ 4-2 shoot-out victory. His saves and presence rattled Egypt’s stars, with Salah and Marmoush both failing to convert.

For his commanding display, Nwabali was deservedly named Man of the Match, a recognition of his consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.

Nwabali’s new form is symbolic of Nigeria’s evolving football narrative. Long haunted by penalty shoot-out misfortunes and defensive lapses, the Super Eagles found in him a reliable guardian who thrives under pressure. His clean-sheet streak not only secured Nigeria a podium finish but also restored pride in the team’s defensive discipline.

As AFCON 2025 fades into history, Nwabali’s name will be remembered alongside Nigeria’s great goalkeepers.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H