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.

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By Kunle Solaja, Rabat

The Nigeria Football Federation has pointed to Éric Chelle’s remarkable impact as head coach as the foundation for a bright future, after the Super Eagles ended the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a record-breaking bronze-medal performance.

In a media release, the NFF pointed to the turnaround that the Malian tactician has made in the hitherto fluctuating fortunes of the Super Eagles.

In just one year in charge, Chelle has led Nigeria through 18 competitive matches without defeat in regulation time, winning 11 and drawing six, and guiding the team from a near-hopeless World Cup qualifying situation to a playoff ticket.

At AFCON 2025, Nigeria scored 14 goals – their highest tally ever in a single tournament – remaining unbeaten in regulation time across seven matches and showing authority against continental heavyweights Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt.

The achievement compares favourably with Nigeria’s title-winning campaigns:

• 1980 (Nigeria): 8 goals
• 1994 (Tunisia): 9 goals
• 2013 (South Africa): 11 goals
• 2025 (Morocco): 14 goals

Under Chelle, the Super Eagles also defeated Tanzania and Uganda, who will co-host the next AFCON alongside Kenya, reinforcing Nigeria’s credentials as a dominant force in African football.

Gusau said the journey to the next AFCON begins immediately, stressing that the federation would build on the momentum rather than dwell on past success.

“We do not have the luxury of time,” he said. “The bottom line is that the future looks very bright.”

With the bronze medal, Nigeria have now finished on the AFCON podium 17 times in 21 appearances, underlining their status as one of Africa’s most consistent football powers – and with Chelle at the helm, the Super Eagles appear ready for their next ascent.

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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.

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