The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca. The encounter ended goalless after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout in which goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history. Nigeria’s interim coach fielded a largely rotated side, leaving star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench at kick-off. Nwabali started in goal behind a backline of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored the midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the wings behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams. The Super Eagles started on the front foot and fashioned the first clear chance in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected for a corner. Both teams, however, soon settled into a cautious rhythm, with defences largely in control. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Adams powered home a header, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review showed Onuachu had fouled a defender in the build-up. The striker was booked for the infringement. The stalemate persisted after the break, despite the introduction of Lookman for Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward found the net shortly after coming on, but his effort was flagged offside. Alex Iwobi later replaced Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria pushed for a breakthrough, yet clear chances remained few and the match ended goalless, setting the stage for penalties. In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali immediately swung the momentum by saving Salah’s attempt. Adams converted his kick before Nwabali again denied Marmoush. Simon and Iwobi then calmly scored for Nigeria, and although Mahmud Sabir pulled one back for Egypt, Lookman stepped up to convert the decisive penalty and seal victory. Nigeria had reached the third-place match after a narrow semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt were edged out 1–0 by Senegal in the other semi-final. The Super Eagles had topped Group C with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before knocking out Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast en route to the semi-finals. Saturday’s victory extended Nigeria’s strong record in AFCON third-place playoffs and provided consolation for the Eagles after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
Super Eagles Beat Egypt on Penalties to Claim AFCON 2025 Bronze
