AFCON 2025 post-mortem: Why Nigeria’s record 9th bronze signals golden future under Chelle

While a bronze medal often feels like a consolation prize for a nation with Nigeria’s pedigree, the Morocco 2025 campaign feels different. 

This wasn’t a team that stumbled into third place; it was a team that displayed a tactical identity and structural discipline rarely seen since the 1994 Golden Generation. Okay, maybe since the late Stephen Keshi led us to the title in 2013. 

Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have transitioned from a team of talented individuals to a cohesive, high-pressing machine.

The golden future under Chelle isn't just about the hardware, it's about the blueprint. Here is why the 2025 journey was a success in disguise.

Under Chelle, Nigeria finished the tournament with the most goals (14) while maintaining one of the stingiest defences - the Super Eagles did not concede a single goal in the knockout stages. 

The coach’s preference for a high press and swift transitions allowed the likes of Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams to flourish. 

Unlike previous eras where individual brilliance was the only strategy, Chelle has implemented a system where the team creates high-quality chances through collective movement.

The tournament definitively answered the goalkeeping question. Stanley Nwabali’s heroics in the third-place penalty shootout against Egypt. 

In saving efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Nwabali proved that Nigeria finally has a world-class shot-stopper. 

A stable defence starts with a confident keeper, and Nwabali rediscovered that AFCON 2023 form that has become the bedrock of this new era.

Chelle’s management of the squad was masterclass. From the integration of Akor Adams to the tactical utilisation of Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen as a defensive decoy, the Super Eagles showed they can adapt. 

Even in the semi-final heartbreak against Morocco, the team didn't collapse; they remained tactically disciplined for 120 minutes, losing only to the lottery of penalties.

While the medal’s colour was downgraded from silver in AFCON 2023 to bronze in AFCON 2025, the quality of football upgraded massively. 

Chelle, who would love to stay on as coach and recently committed to that with his latest comments, has built a platform for consistency. 

If the NFF listens to skipper Wilfred Ndidi and other Nigerians and maintains this continuity, the Super Eagles aren’t just Bronze Kings but are a team on the verge of potential African dominance.