Nigeria’s Super Eagles capped off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought bronze medal, defeating Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties after a goalless third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough in 90 minutes, the match was decided from the spot—where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again emerged as Nigeria’s hero. The shot-stopper produced two crucial saves, denying Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush, as the Super Eagles claimed their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and preserved their flawless record in bronze-medal matches.
Super Eagles head coach opted for a rotated starting XI, leaving key attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench. Nwabali marshalled the defence behind a back line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partnered Raphael Onyedika, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze provided width in support of Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams up front.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Adams powered home a header, but celebrations were cut short after a VAR review revealed an elbow from Onuachu in the build-up. The striker was subsequently booked, and the goal was disallowed.
The teams went into halftime on level terms, and the Super Eagles introduced Lookman at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward wasted little time making an impact, finding the net moments after the restart—only for his effort to be ruled offside.
Alex Iwobi was later introduced as Nigeria pushed for a winner, replacing Osayi-Samuel, but clear-cut chances remained few and far between. With the deadlock unbroken at full time, the contest headed to penalties.
The shootout began nervously for Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru missed the opening kick, but Nwabali immediately restored parity by saving Salah’s attempt. Adams converted confidently, and the goalkeeper struck again to deny Marmoush. Moses Simon and Iwobi kept their composure from the spot, and although Mahmud Sabir briefly kept Egypt alive, Lookman stepped up to dispatch the decisive penalty and seal victory.
The win provided fitting consolation for the Super Eagles after falling just short of the AFCON title, reinforcing their reputation as perennial contenders and underlining their dominance in third-place playoff encounters.
