Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, edging Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a tense third-place playoff finished scoreless at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the contest went straight to a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again took centre stage. The Chippa United shot-stopper saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush, sealing Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish at the tournament and preserving their flawless record in AFCON bronze medal matches.
Interim coach opted to ring the changes, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench at kick-off. Nwabali started in goal behind Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partnered Raphael Onyedika in midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze flanked Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams in attack.
Nigeria started on the front foot and threatened early, with Adams forcing a deflection for a corner in the 13th minute. After that opening spell, the game became scrappy, with both defences largely cancelling each other out.
The Eagles thought they had gone ahead in the 36th minute when Adams powered in a header, but VAR ruled out the goal after determining that Onuachu had fouled a defender in the build-up. The striker was subsequently shown a yellow card.
The first half ended without goals, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the interval. The Atalanta winger found the net moments after coming on, but his effort was chalked off for offside.
Alex Iwobi was later introduced for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria pushed for a breakthrough, yet clear chances remained few and far between. With no extra time to play, the match was decided from the spot.
Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first kick, but Nwabali’s save from Salah immediately restored parity. Adams then converted confidently before the goalkeeper denied Marmoush as well. Simon and Iwobi both scored, and although Mahmud Sabir kept Egypt alive with a successful attempt, Lookman stepped up to convert the decisive penalty.
Nigeria had dropped into the playoff after losing a dramatic semi-final to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in the last four.
The Super Eagles had earlier dominated Group C with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before eliminating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt, seven-time champions, advanced from Group B and knocked out Benin and Ivory Coast prior to their semi-final exit.
The victory provided a measure of consolation for Nigeria after falling short of the final, reinforcing their long-standing reputation as specialists in AFCON third-place matches.
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