The Federal Government has moved to lift the spirits of the Super Eagles after their painful exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, declaring that the team’s performance in Morocco has earned the admiration and gratitude of millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government praised the players and technical crew for what it described as a campaign marked by courage, discipline and an unyielding sense of national pride, despite the semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco.

Idris stressed that the mood in government circles was not one of recrimination but of appreciation, insisting that the Super Eagles had once again shown why football remains the country’s most powerful unifying force.

“Nigeria remains proud of you,” the minister said, addressing the players, coaches and backroom staff. “Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent.”

He noted that the team’s conduct throughout the tournament, on and off the pitch, reflected the values associated with the national colours, adding that the green and white jersey is more than a uniform – it is a symbol of courage, unity and perseverance.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity and never giving up,” Idris said. “Football has its highs and lows, but your effort and commitment throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad.”

The minister urged the players not to dwell on the disappointment of the semi-final loss but to see it as a stepping stone to future success. He called on the squad to remain united, learn from the experience and return stronger in upcoming competitions, including the remainder of the AFCON qualification cycle and the World Cup qualifiers.

“Hold your heads high, stay united and return stronger,” he said. “Nigeria is grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition, and the nation stands with you, always.”

The Super Eagles’ journey in Morocco came to an agonising end in the semi-finals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where they were edged out 4–2 on penalties by the hosts after a tense goalless draw that stretched through 120 minutes of football.

The match itself was a cagey, tactical battle. Morocco, buoyed by a partisan home crowd, enjoyed more of the attacking initiative, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two. Yet, for all their pressure, the Atlas Lions found it difficult to break down a disciplined Nigerian back line marshalled by a resolute defence and an inspired goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.

Nwabali, who had already emerged as one of the revelations of the tournament, produced several crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the contest, matching the efforts of Morocco’s experienced shot-stopper Yassine Bounou at the other end. Both goalkeepers turned the semi-final into a showcase of reflexes, positioning and mental strength, ensuring that neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time or extra time.

For Nigeria, the attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who had carried much of the team’s offensive threat in earlier rounds, found themselves tightly marked and often isolated. Morocco’s defensive organisation limited their space and time on the ball, forcing the Super Eagles to rely on counter-attacks and set pieces rather than sustained pressure.

When the match eventually went to penalties, the tension inside the stadium was palpable. Morocco, roared on by their supporters, converted four of their spot kicks, while Nigeria faltered twice from twelve yards. The shootout defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching another AFCON final, but it did little to diminish the sense that the team had given everything.

Across Nigeria, reactions to the loss were a mixture of heartbreak and pride. In cities and towns where fans had gathered in viewing centres, sports bars and open-air screenings, there was a stunned silence at the final whistle, followed by applause for a team that had battled to the very end. On social media, many Nigerians echoed the government’s message, thanking the players for their effort and urging them not to be discouraged.

Analysts have pointed out that the Super Eagles’ run to the semi-finals, in a tournament featuring some of the continent’s strongest sides, underlined the team’s potential. The squad blended established stars such as Osimhen with emerging talents who used the competition to stake their claim for regular places in the national team.

Coaching decisions, tactical flexibility and the team’s defensive solidity were also widely praised. Nigeria conceded few goals throughout the tournament, often grinding out results in tight matches and showing a level of organisation that has sometimes been missing in previous campaigns.

Idris, in his statement, appeared keen to build on that foundation, framing the AFCON experience as part of a longer journey rather than an isolated disappointment. He emphasised that the government sees the Super Eagles as ambassadors whose influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring young Nigerians and projecting a positive image of the country to the rest of Africa and the world.

“Your performance reminded us that football is more than a game,” he said. “It is a language of hope, a source of unity and a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face as a nation, we can stand together behind a common cause.”

The minister’s remarks also touched on the emotional bond between the team and its supporters. He acknowledged the passion of Nigerian fans, who followed the tournament closely, filling stadiums in Morocco and gathering in large numbers back home to watch every kick of the ball.

“The scenes of Nigerians celebrating your victories, from Lagos to Kano, from Port Harcourt to Abuja, showed how deeply connected people feel to this team,” Idris said. “That connection does not disappear because of one result. If anything, it grows stronger when we face disappointment together.”

Looking ahead, attention will now turn to how the Super Eagles can build on their AFCON 2025 campaign. Questions will be asked about squad depth, attacking creativity and game management in high-pressure situations, but there is also a broad consensus that the core of a competitive team is firmly in place.