Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has hailed his side’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, describing the bronze medal as a “satisfying” outcome despite the team’s initial ambition for the title.
The Super Eagles secured third place after a tense encounter with Egypt at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, which ended 0-0 after extra time.
Nigeria ultimately prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal.
“Everyone wanted to win the gold medal. We came for the trophy, but it didn’t happen,” Lookman told beIN SPORTS after the match.
“We leave this tournament with the bronze medal, and that is enough.”
The result marks Nigeria’s eighth third-place finish in AFCON history, while Egypt suffered a fourth-place finish for the fourth time, having previously ended fourth in 1976, 1980, and 1984. Notably, Nigeria has never lost a third-place match in the tournament.
Senegal and Morocco are set to contest the AFCON final tonight at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
