This is the ninth time the Super Eagles will be involved in a third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations.
And the script has become somewhat familiar.
First, there were little or no expectations from them ahead of the tournament. And then eventually they begin to drip-feed fans with optimism, before falling short in the semi-finals.
Ahead of the 2025 edition, Nigeria’s preparations were coloured by the retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong.
Benjamin Fredericks, who was emerging as a fine replacement for Troost-Ekong, picked up a muscle injury. Ola Aina was already on the treatment table long before all this.
Amid the worry about the central defence, Calvin Bassey emerged as the new leader at the back, providing the foundation for Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to shine.
Let’s not beat about the bush. The Eagles played some impressive football up until their defeat to hosts Morocco in the last four.
“I think this Super Eagles team have come a long way from the Peseiro AFCON outing,” Ogbemi Rewane, the producer of the Dante & Ogbe podcast, said
“I saw a more cohesive team from the last competition.
“Although the signs were already showing during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they played like they needed more time training together.
“I’m guessing this competition has showcased how valid that was and that they’re heading in the right direction.
“Compared to our last showing at AFCON, we had more goals per match, more chances per match, and more dominant performances.
“I also like the deployment of tactical innovations in the team and how creatively the squad was utilized.
“Instead of Osimhen being the tip of the spear all the time, Akor was used as a foil for Osimhen and/or a second outlet for goals.
“And our matches weren’t always reliant on individual brilliance. Even the lineups reflected a more insightful understanding of the squad.
“The Super Eagles are blessed with attackers and defenders, but have a lack of elite technical talent in the midfield. But they were able to create a game model that made the best of what they had.”
Over the years, because of their frequency in the third-place playoff, Nigerians have come to term with the medal “Golden Bronze”.
This year, the Eagles will be facing Egypt on Saturday.
“Unfortunately, I’m a bit worried we might not win the Egypt match,” Ogbemi admits.
“This is due to the absence of Bassey and also the potential drop in morale from losing against Morocco.
“Egypt is a good team in front of goal and we would have our work cut out for us.
“But for the first time in a long time, I’m confident that the Super Eagles have a chance to beat any opponent.
“So, as long as the team finds a way to mitigate these challenges, we stand a good chance of coming away with a win.
“I would say I’m expecting both teams to score and maybe a two-goal lead, fingers crossed it’s to the Super Eagles.”
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