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The 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament officially concluded on 18 January 2026. Senegal’s Teranga Lions emerged as champions after defeating the hosts, Morocco, in a dramatic final filled with tension. While Senegal lifted the trophy, much of the tournament’s defining story belonged to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, whose performances left a lasting impression across the continent.
Despite a narrow and painful exit in the semi-finals, the Super Eagles departed Morocco having set a new national scoring record and reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s most formidable sides. From the opening ceremonies in December to their bronze-medal finish in January, Nigeria displayed tactical discipline and attacking flair that captivated fans worldwide.
Nigeria’s journey began on 21 December 2025, with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania. In their second match, the Eagles edged out Tunisia 3–2 in a thrilling encounter before securing a commanding 3–1 win against Uganda. This marked only the fourth time in the nation’s history that the team has completed the group stage with a perfect record.
The knockout rounds saw Nigeria reach even greater heights. A dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 was followed by a composed 2–0 win against Algeria in the quarter-finals. With these results, the Super Eagles broke their long-standing national record for goals scored in a single tournament, finishing with an impressive total of 14 goals.
Led by standout performances from Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey, alongside a disciplined defensive unit, Nigeria appeared well-placed for a fourth continental title. However, their ambition was halted in a dramatic semi-final
clash against the hosts, Morocco, where the Eagles were eventually knocked out on penalties.
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The team’s resilience was on full display in the third-place play-off against Egypt on Saturday, 17 January. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali delivered a heroic performance, saving two penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to secure a 4–2 shoot-out victory. This result earned Nigeria their record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal and preserved their unbeaten record in third-place play-off matches.
Beyond the stadiums of Rabat and Casablanca, the tournament’s energy resonated strongly at home. To connect fans across the country, MTN Nigeria, the Official Communications Partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), hosted a series of nationwide “watch parties” under its “Spirit of Naija” initiative. For over a year, MTN has invested in providing a premium viewing experience for Nigerian fans across various international tournaments.
Fans gathered in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, and beyond to enjoy the thrill of the competition between December 2025 and January 2026. Many Nigerians voiced their excitement during these events, sharing everything from tactical advice to expert analysis. The atmosphere at the Lagos watch party reached a crescendo during the tense third-place encounter against Egypt. Winning the bronze medal instantly transformed the mood, showcasing national pride and highlighting how football unites the country.
“The tension in the room was almost unbearable, but Nwabali proved he is an absolute wall today,” said Chidi Okafor, a supporter in attendance. “Beating Egypt on penalties was a huge moment. This bronze feels like gold because of the grit the team showed.”
Reflecting on the tournament, Karl Toriola praised the Super Eagles’ determination. “The Super Eagles have once again demonstrated their passion and resilience on the field, and we are proud of their accomplishments. Football is a language that unites and inspires us all. Through our partnership with the NFF, we are committed to building a sustainable legacy of support and creating exhilarating football experiences.”
