Nigeria’s Super Eagles capped their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a bronze medal after edging past Egypt 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place playoff on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes of tightly contested football, with both teams cancelling each other out through disciplined defending and limited clear-cut chances. With no extra time played, the match went straight to a penalty shootout, where Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again emerged as the hero.
Nwabali delivered a commanding performance from the spot, denying penalties from Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to tilt the shootout decisively in Nigeria’s favour. His saves ensured the Super Eagles claimed their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and maintained a flawless record in bronze medal matches.
Interim coach opted for a rotated starting XI, leaving key attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench. Nwabali was shielded by a backline of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored the midfield.
Captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze provided width in attack, supporting Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria started on the front foot and fashioned the first opportunity in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected for a corner. The Eagles thought they had taken the lead late in the first half through Adams’ header, but VAR ruled out the goal after determining a foul in the build-up.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Lookman and later Alex Iwobi introduced as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough. Despite increased attacking intent, neither side could find a decisive goal, forcing penalties to decide the contest.
In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali’s save from Salah restored parity. Adams, Simon and Iwobi converted confidently, and after Egypt briefly stayed alive, Lookman calmly dispatched the winning penalty to seal the victory.
The bronze-medal match offered consolation for Nigeria after their semi-final exit on penalties to hosts Morocco. The Super Eagles had impressed earlier in the tournament, topping Group C before navigating difficult knockout fixtures. Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, also fell short in the semi-finals after a narrow loss to Senegal.
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Saturday’s result underlined Nigeria’s resilience and pedigree on the continental stage, providing a positive finish to their AFCON 2025 journey and reaffirming their reputation in third-place playoffs.