The Super Eagles on Saturday clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Egypt 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
The match ended goalless after regulation time, pushing the contest to a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again emerged the hero, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to secure Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish and preserve their flawless record in AFCON bronze matches.
Interim coach Eric Chelle fielded a rotated starting XI, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench. Nwabali kept his place in goal behind a back line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, with captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings, supporting Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams in attack.
Nigeria made a bright start and carved out the first chance in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected behind by an Egyptian defender. Both sides, however, soon settled into a cautious rhythm as chances dried up and defences held firm.
Adams thought he had broken the deadlock in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review that showed Onuachu had fouled a defender in the build-up. The striker was cautioned for the infringement.
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The teams went into the interval level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward found the net moments after the restart, only for his effort to be chalked off for offside.
Alex Iwobi later replaced Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria pushed for a winner, but clear openings remained scarce and the contest drifted into penalties after 90 minutes of stalemate.
In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali’s save from Salah restored parity. Adams converted before the goalkeeper denied Marmoush. Simon and Iwobi scored with authority, and although Mahmud Sabir pulled one back for Egypt, Lookman calmly converted the decisive kick to seal victory.
Nigeria reached the playoff after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt were edged 1–0 by Senegal in the other last-four tie.
The Super Eagles topped Group C with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before eliminating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout stages. Egypt, seven-time champions, advanced from Group B and knocked out Benin and Ivory Coast prior to their semi-final exit.
Saturday’s victory reinforced Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in AFCON third-place matches and provided fitting consolation after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
