By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 18.1.2026
Former NBA star and Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) president, Olumide Oyedeji, has thumbs up the exploits of the Super Eagles at Africa Cup of Nations after they beat the Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 on penalty shootout to win third place.
Nigeria has never lost any bronze medal match at the AFCON and on Saturday in Casablanca, Moroco they signed off in style, outmuscling Egypt who are seven times winners of the AFCON. Stanley Nwabali who denied Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah during regular time, which ended goalless, also made the former Africa player of the year grieve when Nwabali saved his low shot to the left during the shootout.
Oyedeji who was speaking exclusively to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, described the Eagles’ display as fearless, focused and worthy of celebration.
“You stood tall against one of Africa’s best. This team showed character, belief and heart,” Oyedeji said.
The former NBA big man reserved special praise for goalkeeper Nwabali, whose heroics between the sticks proved decisive. Nwabali saved two penalties, silencing Egypt’s stars and swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s way.
“Nwabali is a true champion,” Oyedeji declared. “Those saves were not luck; they were courage under pressure.”
Oyedeji also urged the team to build on the momentum ahead of the next AFCON, stressing the need for early preparation to ensure Nigeria goes all the way next time.
He further applauded the National Sports Commission, praising the progressive leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Chief Honourable Bukola Olopade, for their support of Nigerian sports.
Olumide Oyedeji...words of encouragement to Super Eagles.