Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has extended his support to the Super Eagles following their narrow defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. Taking to his verified X account on Thursday, the former lawmaker argued that the 4-2 penalty shootout loss does not reflect a lack of talent, but rather the unpredictable nature of football’s tie-breakers.
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth title ended on Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium after a goalless 120 minutes forced the match into the decisive shootout.
Sani emphasized that the outcome of a penalty lottery often hinges on luck rather than technical superiority. He praised the national team for their collective effort throughout the tournament, noting that their journey served as a powerful catalyst for national unity. Despite the disappointment of missing the final, the Senator encouraged Nigerians to view the experience as a vital lesson for future international competitions.
“The players tried. It’s just not our day. Penalties are not a measure of better skills. It’s about luck. I’m most happy to see the Super Eagles matches uniting the country. When you don’t win, you learn. That’s life,” the former lawmaker wrote.
However, the sentiment on social media remained sharp, with some supporters focusing their frustration on Samuel Chukwueze’s missed attempt. One X user, @king_solom, questioned the intentionality of the winger’s effort, suggesting that the goalkeeper appeared to read the soft strike with suspicious ease. Such criticisms highlight the intense pressure faced by the squad after falling just one step away from the grand finale in Rabat.
The Super Eagles now prepare to face Egypt in the third-place play-off this Saturday, aiming to secure a bronze medal and provide a redemptive finish for their supporters. Sani’s message of resilience echoes the government’s stance that the team’s character and fighting spirit during the Moroccan campaign remain worthy of national pride. As the tournament enters its final weekend, the focus remains on whether the squad can convert this “learning moment” into a clinical performance against the Pharaohs.
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