Coach Eric Chelle’s side entered the tournament in search of a fourth continental crown, but their ambitions were halted by a semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco. Prior to that, the West Africans had enjoyed an impressive run of five consecutive wins.
However, they ended the tournament on a high note by claiming the bronze medal, overcoming Egypt in a penalty shootout in the third-place match.
The Dukla Prague midfielder reflected on the team’s journey in Morocco and the disappointment of falling just short of the title.
"They had a very strong tournament because they fought from the beginning to the end," Tijani told Flashscore.com.
"Despite starting the competition with a new captain in Wilfred Ndidi, the team showed great commitment and togetherness throughout.
"I have no doubt they will build from this experience and rise again to the highest level where they belong.
"On the other side, I felt disappointed the team did not return home as African champions because the players worked extremely hard to win the trophy. Unfortunately, it did not happen, which is part of football. There were moments in the match against Morocco, including some refereeing decisions, but I don’t want to dwell on that.
"In the end, it is a football game. Still, it was painful not to lift the trophy after all the effort the team put in."
In addition to claiming the bronze medal, Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman were all named in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament.
Tijani hails Chelle's impact, saddened by World Cup absence
The former RB Salzburg star also spoke highly of former Mali international Eric Chelle, praising his tactical expertise even though the Super Eagles fell short in their quest for a fourth African crown.
Chelle was appointed Nigeria’s substantive coach in January 2025, replacing Augustine Eguavoen, who had served in an interim role following the resignation of Ajax legend Finidi George less than two months into his tenure.
"I know a bit about him because I have friends I played with before who were coached by him. He also coached Mali, and I have friends from there, so I was familiar with his work," the 23-year-old continued.
"He’s a very good coach, and you can clearly see it now. The way Super Eagles play has changed, we are more attacking, more compact, and more united.
"There is real love in the team and it feels like a family. That is a huge achievement for the coach."
Despite Nigeria's commendable AFCON performance, the team will not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a development that has left Tijani visibly disappointed.
"I feel sad that we will not be playing at the World Cup because the current Super Eagles squad has a lot of quality, and everyone can see that," he added.
"We also have one of the best strikers in the world right now. Just thinking about the fact that one of the best strikers will not be at the World Cup is a big disappointment, not only for me but for the team as well.
"It hurts that we won’t be there, but we will keep working towards the next one and, hopefully, qualify."
'My international career is far from finished'
Tijani first shot into the international spotlight as a standout performer for Nigeria at youth level, particularly with the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 U17 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he captained and notably scored a brace in Nigeria’s 4-2 group-stage demolition of Hungary.
His impressive displays at youth level soon earned him a senior call-up, and he made his debut in a friendly 1-0 loss to Algeria on October 9, 2020. Since then, injuries have kept him on the sidelines, limiting his opportunities with the national team.
Despite the depth of talent in the Super Eagles, Tijani insists that his international career is far from over, reaffirming his determination to represent Nigeria at the highest level once again.
"It has always been a great honour to represent Nigeria, and wearing the green and white jersey is something I will never take for granted," Tijani said.
"Playing for my country, both at youth level and at the senior level, is a rare privilege that fills me with pride every time I think about it. There is no feeling that compares to standing on the pitch and knowing you are representing millions of Nigerians around the world.
"I have been asked many times if my journey with the Super Eagles is over. The truth is, it is not. I am still very much part of the team. I still have age on my side, and while injuries slowed me down in the past, they never broke my spirit.
"I am fully back on my feet now, working extremely hard every day with my club, pushing myself to be better and stronger.
"I believe deeply that hard work never goes unnoticed, and very soon the effort I am putting in will pay off. My international career is far from finished. I still have so much to give, and I remain ready whenever my country calls again."
