The Super Eagles of Nigeria have once again asserted their dominance in the third-place play-off of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the AFCON 2025 tournament.
The encounter, held on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, ended in a goalless stalemate after 120 minutes of high-octane football, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the undisputed hero of the night, redeeming Nigeria’s penalty fortunes following their semi-final exit to hosts Morocco. Nwabali produced two world-class saves during the shootout, parrying efforts from Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
While Nigeria’s opening kick from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was saved by Egyptian shot-stopper Mostafa Shobeir, the Super Eagles remained clinical thereafter.
Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi all converted their spot-kicks before Ademola Lookman stepped up to slot home the decisive penalty, sending the Nigerian contingent into wild celebrations.
The match itself was a tactical battle of wits between Nigeria’s Coach, Eric Chelle, and Egypt’s technical bench. The Super Eagles, who fielded a rotated squad due to the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen over an ankle injury, thought they had taken the lead twice.
In the 36th minute, Paul Onuachu’s header found the back of the net, but the goal was chalked off following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Early in the second half, second-half substitute Ademola Lookman also saw his effort ruled out for a marginal offside.
Egypt, on their part, struggled to break down a resilient Nigerian defence led by Semi Ajayi—who was later replaced by Chidozie Awaziem due to injury—and Igoh Ogbu.
Mohamed Salah came closest for the seven-time champions in the first half, but his point-blank strike was expertly thwarted by Nwabali.
With this victory, Nigeria has extended its remarkable record in AFCON third-place matches. The Super Eagles have now won a record nine bronze medals and notably maintain an unblemished 100 per cent success rate in third-place play-offs, having never lost a match at this stage of the competition.
The tournament concludes on Sunday with the Grand Final between hosts Morocco and defending champions Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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