Former Nigerian international, Odion Jude Ighalo has thrown his full support behind the Super Eagles ahead of their AFCON 2025 third-place (bronze medal) match against Egypt, advising the team to give everything to end the tournament on a positive note.
The former Manchester United striker believes the bronze medal represents the only realistic way for Nigeria to appease fans after the heartbreak of missing out on the final.
Ighalo Draws From His Own AFCON Experience
Ighalo, who was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, said he understands the emotions currently surrounding the Super Eagles camp, having experienced a similar situation when Nigeria lost the semi-final to Algeria in that tournament.
According to the former striker, such moments are painful, but they also demand a strong response.
Commending the players for their resilience against hosts Morocco, Ighalo praised the team’s effort and commitment throughout the semi-final, despite the eventual penalty shootout defeat.
“No matter how good you are when it comes to penalties it’s no man game. I want to commend the Eagles, they tried, they did their best from the first to last whistle.”
“I knew it was going to be tough to play against a very tactical side and everything was on Morocco’s side.”
He acknowledged the disappointment of losing on penalties but maintained that the Super Eagles showed character against a well-organised and tactically disciplined opponent.
“Unfortunately, penalty is no man’s game. I want to say thank you to the team for the good work and congratulations to Morocco.”
“They Only Have This Chance Now” – Ighalo on Bronze Medal Play-Off
With the final now out of reach, Ighalo shared that the Super Eagles must quickly refocus on the task at hand, noting that the bronze medal match offers a chance for redemption.
Citing from his own experience in 2019, he said:
“It’s still a chance for me to fight for bronze. I was there in 2019 too. I was sad against Algeria in the semi-final, but that’s what it is.”
Ighalo warned that Egypt will also be desperate to finish the tournament strongly, making the encounter a high-stakes affair.
“Egypt want to redeem themselves to get something going back home.”
“So I want them to, Nigeria to go all out with that game to try to win, to get something back home too.”
The former Super Eagles forward believes Nigeria must seize this final opportunity to reward supporters.
“I believe Nigeria will do well in that game and try to win because they don’t have anything to appease the fans back home now.”
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Last Chance for Redemption
Ighalo concluded by speaking on the importance of the bronze medal match, describing it as Nigeria’s final opportunity to restore pride after falling short of the final.
“They’re not going to work up. Now they are, they are not playing the finals.”
“So they only have this chance now to redeem themselves this game to win that top play.”
As the Super Eagles prepare to face seven-time champions Egypt, Nigeria must go all out, fight with pride, and finish AFCON 2025 with a medal to show for their efforts.
