Four major European football clubs have issued official statements of support for their Nigerian players following the Super Eagles’ dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat against Morocco. The host nation eliminated Nigeria via a 4-2 penalty shootout after a tense, goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday night.
Despite the disappointment, several top-tier sides across Spain and England took to social media to celebrate the individual achievements and resilience of their African internationals.
Spanish giants Sevilla, currently home to the attacking duo of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, recognized the effort of their players during the high-stakes encounter. In a brief social media update, the La Liga club noted that while the result did not favor the West African giants, the contributions of Adams and Ejuke remain a point of pride for the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán faithful. Both players have featured prominently in Eric Chelle’s tactical setup throughout the tournament in Morocco.
English Premier League side Fulham also shared a message of solidarity with their trio of Nigerian stars, including Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi. Despite the “heartbreak” of the shootout, the London club emphasized their immense pride in the players’ journey to the final four. “Heartbreak for Nigeria. We’re still so proud of our boys after an incredible tournament,” Fulham shared, highlighting the emotional toll of the defeat on the squad.
Birmingham City offered specific praise for defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who delivered a tireless performance by playing the full two hours of the semi-final. The club hailed his “monumental shift” on the right flank, acknowledging the physical and mental stamina required to compete at such a high level. Similarly, Brentford sent a supportive message to midfield anchor Frank Onyeka, urging him to “hold his head high” after he left everything on the pitch in Rabat.
As the Super Eagles shift their focus to Saturday’s third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca, these international tributes underscore the global impact of the Nigerian squad. While the dream of a fourth continental title ended in the lottery of penalties, the consistent support from their respective clubs provides a morale boost ahead of the bronze-medal fixture. The Super Eagles will look to repay this faith by finishing the 2025 campaign with a podium finish before returning to their European domestic duties.
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