AFCON: Despite Loss, FG, Obi Celebrate Super Eagles’ Fighting Spirit Against Morocco

Reactions have continued to trail Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Nations Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles fell short in the penalty shootout against the hosts Morocco after the regulation and extra-time ended goalless.

The Federal Government led the praises on Thursday with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, describing the team’s performance as a source of inspiration in a statement.

The statement read: “Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork, and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent.

“Football has its highs and lows, but your efforts, commitment, and fighting spirit throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity, and never giving up.

“Nigeria remains proud of you and grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition”.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, also showered encomiums on the Super Eagles players in a post on X.

He wrote on X: “Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed. Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds.

“The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well,”

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri said he was proud of the team’s performance in the encounter.

He wrote on X: “It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. I am super proud of their effort today, as all Nigerians should be. Great teamwork.

“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure. Well done, Super Eagles.”

Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo also urged the team to redeem themselves with victory over Egypt in the third place match

He said: “So I want Nigeria to go all out with that game, to try to win, to get something back home too. I believe Nigeria will do well in that game and try to win, because they don’t have anything to appease the fans back home.

“Now they’re not going to the World Cup. They are not playing the final, so they only have this chance now to redeem themselves. They’ll win that third place.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel slammed Ghanaian referee, Daniel Laryea, for his poor performance in the encounter.

He said: “One thing I would say is that the referee is appalling,” the 28-year-old said.

“Not saying that is the reason why we lost. But he kept making very wrong decisions. It is really painful to see that we have referees like that in a big game like today.”

“It is very painful to lose. I think we played very well. The back four was amazing. I am proud of the team.

“The manager came down and said he is proud of the team. The board members came down to say they are proud of the team. It is just really painful that we lost on penalties, which is a lottery.”

The Super Eagles will take on Egypt in the bronze medal match on Saturday.