Nigeria forward Akor Adams has insisted the Super Eagles proved themselves as the strongest side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, even though their campaign ended with a bronze medal rather than the title they set out to win.
The Super Eagles secured third place on Saturday after edging Egypt in a tense play-off decided by a penalty shootout.
With the match finishing goalless in regulation time, Nigeria held their nerve from the spot to defeat the Pharaohs and claim their ninth AFCON bronze medal, extending their record as the nation with the most third-place finishes in the tournament’s history.
While the result brought a measure of satisfaction, Adams acknowledged that the squad’s ambitions stretched far beyond a place on the podium.
Speaking after the final whistle, the striker struck a defiant and proud tone, underlining his belief that Nigeria had been the standout team across the competition.
“We are the best team. We came for the gold and we did not take it but we are proud of what we have been able to achieve. We have a very strong team. Everybody is going home with a better friendship with the next person,” Adams said.
Nigeria’s AFCON journey was marked by resilience and consistency, as the Super Eagles navigated a demanding tournament and remained competitive against all opposition.
Their ability to regroup after falling short of the final and then deliver a composed performance in the third-place match reflected a squad that remained united and focused until the end.
The penalty shootout victory over Egypt was a fitting conclusion to that spirit.
In a high-pressure setting, Nigeria showed composure and discipline, qualities that Adams believes defined their tournament as a whole.
The bronze medal, while not the ultimate prize, offered tangible reward for a group that consistently matched its opponents in intensity and organisation.
Adams’ comments also highlighted the sense of togetherness within the squad, a theme echoed throughout Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
He pointed to the bonds formed among the players as one of the tournament’s most valuable outcomes, suggesting that the collective strength of the group may prove just as important as any medal.
For Nigeria, the third-place finish carried additional historical significance.
By claiming another bronze medal, the Super Eagles reinforced their long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable forces on the continental stage.
It was a reminder of their enduring presence at the latter stages of AFCON tournaments, even in editions where the ultimate goal remains just out of reach.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on gold, Adams’ assessment reflected a wider confidence within the squad about what they had demonstrated in 2025.
His insistence that Nigeria were the tournament’s best team was rooted not only in results, but in performances, unity and belief.
As the players now return to their clubs, the focus will shift to what lies ahead for the national team.
The bronze medal serves as both a marker of achievement and a motivation to go further next time.
For Adams and his teammates, AFCON 2025 may not have ended with the trophy they desired, but it strengthened their conviction that Nigeria remain among the elite of African football.
