The Federal Government has commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, assuring the team that Nigerians remain proud of them despite their semi-final exit from the tournament.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government praised the players for representing the country with pride, dignity and resilience throughout the competition.

He said the players’ conduct and fighting spirit embodied the values associated with the national colours, stressing that the team’s effort mattered as much as the final result.

“Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent,” the minister said.

According to Idris, the Super Eagles reminded Nigerians that playing for the country goes beyond winning matches, describing the green and white jersey as a symbol of courage, unity and perseverance.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity and never giving up. Football has its highs and lows, but your effort and commitment throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he said.

The minister urged the team to remain united, learn from the experience and return stronger, assuring them of the nation’s continued support.

“Hold your heads high, stay united and return stronger. Nigeria is grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition, and the nation stands with you, always,” Idris added.

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the tournament on Wednesday after losing 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco, following a goalless draw after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The semi-final was keenly contested, with Morocco enjoying more of the attacking initiative, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two.

Both sides, however, were kept in the game by impressive goalkeeping displays from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou.

Nigeria’s key attackers, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found it difficult to break through the hosts’ defence, as Morocco secured a place in the final via penalties.

Holders Nigeria’s Super Falcons will discover their group opponents at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

The draw ceremony will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has expanded the biennial competition to 16 teams.

The Super Falcons, hosts Morocco Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde are among the teams that will compete for the title.

Others are Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.

The 16 qualified teams will be seeded into four pots based on the FIFA Women’s World Ranking from 11 December 2025.

CAF will also announce the winners of the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year and other outstanding women’s football awards at the draw ceremony.

The WAFCON 2026 finals will run from 17 March to 3 April, 2026.

Chelsea have announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach.

Rosenior will take charge at Stamford Bridge following Enzo Maresca’s departure last week.

The 41-year-old signed a contract until 2032.

Rosenior arrived at the London club after coaching overseas with RC Strasbourg, where he led the French club to European qualification for the first time in 19 years in his first season, and following earlier roles in England with Hull City and Derby County.

‘I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,” Rosenior told the club’s official website.

‘My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.

‘I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.

‘I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal.

‘There is a real hunger to win, and I will give everything, every single day, to help this team compete and win at the very highest level to make everyone connected and proud to be a part of Chelsea Football Club.

‘I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club.

‘I cannot wait to meet you all. I cannot wait to get started.’