Immediate past Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club, Pastor Emeka Inyama, has expressed strong satisfaction with the performance of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, the Super Eagles, at the just concluded 35th CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Inyama described the team’s podium finish as commendable, especially in view of the uncertainty that surrounded the Super Eagles ahead of the tournament following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The three-time African champions secured third place at the AFCON after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place match played at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca last weekend, thereby clinching the bronze medal at the 2025 edition of the competition.

Speaking exclusively to Prompt News, the former Executive Committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was in Morocco to support the team, said the Super Eagles exceeded expectations and silenced many critics with their display.

“I will say the Super Eagles exceeded my expectations in the just concluded AFCON in Morocco,” Inyama said. “Not many Nigerians gave the team a chance following their poor run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which saw Nigeria fail to qualify directly for the World Cup and also lose the African play-off to the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

The former Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) and veteran sports journalist noted that the team surprised many by producing impressive performances against some of Africa’s strongest sides.

“The Super Eagles played exceptionally good football in Morocco and got heartwarming results against top teams like Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. They also went toe-to-toe with hosts Morocco and were only eliminated through the lottery of penalty shoot-outs,” he stated.

Inyama said Nigeria’s overall outing at the tournament was worthy of praise, stressing that finishing on the podium in such a competitive championship was no small feat.

“I am highly impressed with Nigeria’s outing in Morocco. Winning the bronze medal after beating Egypt on penalties in a tough tournament like this is indeed very commendable. Nigerians should praise the team, the NFF, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for this achievement,” he added.

The former Abia State Commissioner for Sports, who is also the proprietor of Carl Football Academy and Secondary School in Umuahia, commended the NFF leadership for ensuring the Super Eagles had adequate support throughout the competition.

He also praised the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, describing him as a silent achiever whose leadership has contributed to the team’s success.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has shown strong leadership. He is a silent achiever who deserves encouragement to continue breaking new grounds in Nigerian football,” Inyama concluded.