Kida: Super Eagles’ Victory Shows Nigeria’s Unbreakable Spirit

Kida: Super Eagles’ Victory Shows Nigeria’s Unbreakable Spirit

Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has joined over 200 million Nigerians to celebrate the Super Eagles for demonstrating the indomitable Nigerian spirit by defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Kida described the victory as “particularly sweet,” noting that it came against Africa’s most successful national team and further extended Nigeria’s remarkable unbeaten record in AFCON third-place matches to nine consecutive wins.

“No nation on the continent can boast of such consistency, such resilience, and such refusal to return home empty-handed,” he said.

He hailed goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, describing him as “The Hero of Casablanca” for his extraordinary penalty saves.

“To stop Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush—two of the deadliest attackers in world football—in a high-stakes shootout requires nerves of steel and the heart of a lion. Nwabali showed both in abundance. His heroics at the Mohammed V Stadium will be remembered for generations,” Kida said.

He also praised Ademola Lookman, whose calm finish sealed the win, as well as Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams for stepping up under pressure.

“This is the Nigerian spirit—when one stumbles, another rises; when the pressure mounts, we stand tallest.”

A Tournament of Pride

Kida urged Nigerians to reflect on the team’s achievements in Morocco: five consecutive wins before the semi-final, a tournament-high 14 goals, and the outstanding contributions of the entire squad.

“Victor Osimhen, though rested today, led with four goals. Every player—from the starters to those on the bench—represented Nigeria with distinction,” he said.

While acknowledging the disappointment of the semi-final loss to Morocco, he noted that the team’s response showed exceptional character. He commended Coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew for sustaining the team’s morale.

Unwavering Commitment to Nigerian Sports

Reaffirming his dedication to sports development, Kida said football remains Nigeria’s heartbeat—uniting people across language, faith, and culture.

“With our extraordinary human capital, Nigeria possesses everything needed to dominate African football. What remains is systematic investment that transforms raw talent into sustained excellence,” he stated.

He pledged continued collaboration with the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Institute for Sports, and other stakeholders to ensure strategic deployment of resources into national sports development.

“Through people-driven initiatives, strategic partnerships, and the commitment of NNPCL, we will keep investing in modern training facilities, world-class coaching academies, and grassroots programmes across all six geopolitical zones.”

“Our Best Days Are Ahead”

“To the Super Eagles—you have made us proud. Wear your bronze medals with honour. To every Nigerian who cheered, prayed, and believed—this medal belongs to all of us.

“Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we begin the work toward even greater glory.

AFCON 2027 awaits—and Nigeria will be ready.”