Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their AFCON 2025 campaign on a high, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties to claim the tournament’s bronze medal after a 0–0 third-place playoff in Casablanca, Morocco.
The shootout win capped a tense match decided at Stade Mohamed V, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero after saving two spot-kicks.
How the match unfolded (90 minutes)
The third-place game was tight and tactical, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in open play. Nigeria came closest to scoring during regulation time but saw two goals ruled out:
- Paul Onuachu had a goal disallowed after VAR confirmed a foul in the build-up.
- Substitute Ademola Lookman thought he had won it late, but his effort was ruled offside.
With no extra time in the third-place playoff, the match went straight to penalties.
Penalty shootout: Nwabali denies Salah, Nigeria wins 4–2
Nigeria held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4–2, thanks largely to Nwabali’s saves from Egypt’s biggest names.
Key moments
- Nwabali saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, swinging the contest Nigeria’s way.
- Ademola Lookman scored the decisive penalty to seal the bronze.
CAF’s match report described Nigeria as extending a perfect record in bronze-medal matches and strengthening their unique AFCON legacy.
What the bronze means for Nigeria
Reuters noted this is the ninth time Nigeria have finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations—top-tier consistency that keeps the Super Eagles among the tournament’s most decorated sides.
For Nigeria, the bronze medal also offers a morale lift after semi-final heartbreak, giving the squad a podium finish to build on going into future qualifiers and competitions.
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