The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has explained the reason why the Super Eagles players didn’t attend the AFCON bronze medal ceremony on Sunday after the final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. The players couldn’t wait a day more to receive their medals because their clubs demanded they return immediately after the third-place playoff match against Egypt.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau explained that the players couldn’t wait for the ceremony on Sunday as their clubs were pressing for their return, especially those involved in European competitions. Egypt faced a similar situation, and Gusau has the medals in his possession.
Some fans have expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling the players should have waited for the ceremony. The NFF has acknowledged the issue and plans to distribute the medals to the players through their respective clubs.
“The players could not wait to receive their medals on Sunday. Their clubs were already after them to come back after Saturday’s game, I have the medals in my possession. And this is the case for Egypt too, not just us. Had the medal ceremony taken place on the day of the match, they would have had the medals.” Gusau explained.
Nigeria won it’s 8th Bronze at the tournament after a dominant outing only losing on penalties to hosts Morocco who would also go on to lose in the final. They are now the team with the most Bronze in the African cup of Nations.
