Musa Kida Hails Nwabali, Eagles’ Bronze Finish

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has celebrated the Super Eagles’ dramatic victory over Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria defeated the seven-time African champions 4–2 on penalties after regulation time, securing the bronze medal and extending an extraordinary national record — nine consecutive victories in AFCON third-place matches.

For Kida, who is also President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the triumph was a resounding display of the unbreakable Nigerian spirit.

“This victory is particularly sweet. No other nation on the continent can boast such consistency, such resilience, such refusal to return home empty-handed,” he said.

Kida reserved special praise for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, christening him “The Hero of Casablanca.”

The shot-stopper etched his name into Nigerian football folklore with stunning penalty saves against global stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush at the Mohammed V Stadium.

“To save penalties from two of the most lethal attackers in world football in a high-stakes shootout requires nerves of steel and the heart of a lion. Nwabali showed both in abundance,” Kida declared.

He also applauded Ademola Lookman for calmly converting the winning penalty, while commending Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams for stepping up under pressure.

“This is the Nigerian spirit — when one stumbles, another rises; when pressure mounts, we stand tallest.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s overall campaign, Kida described the tournament as one of pride. The Super Eagles won all their group and knockout matches before narrowly falling in the semi-final, scored a competition-high fourteen goals, and showcased depth and character across the squad. He also praised head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew for keeping the team motivated after semi-final heartbreak.

Beyond the celebration, Kida reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Nigerian sports development.

He emphasized football’s unique power to unite the nation and called for systematic investment to convert Nigeria’s vast raw talent into sustained continental dominance.

“My pledge is to work hand-in-hand with the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Institute for Sports and all stakeholders to ensure resources are strategically utilized to achieve our aspiration of becoming Africa’s undisputed athletic powerhouse,” he said.

He further revealed plans for people-driven sports initiatives, strategic partnerships, modern training facilities, world-class coaching academies, and grassroots development programmes across all six geopolitical zones — backed by NNPCL’s continued commitment to sports development.

Kida concluded with a message of optimism:

“To the Super Eagles: you have made us proud. Wear your bronze medals with honour. To every Nigerian who cheered, prayed, and believed — this medal belongs to all of us. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we begin the work toward greater glory. The 2027 AFCON awaits — and Nigeria will be ready.”