When 90 minutes were not enough to separate two African heavyweights, the Super Eagles of Nigeria found their nerve from the penalty spot. In a tense AFCON 2025 third-place playoff that swung on composure and courage, Nigeria overcame Egypt in a dramatic shootout to secure the bronze medal.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, following a tense goalless draw in the third-place playoff played in Casablanca.
The encounter, watched by a lively crowd of 38,113, lived up to its billing as a clash of African heavyweights, though clear-cut chances were hard to come by over 90 minutes. Both sides showed discipline and organisation, cancelling each other out for long spells in a tightly contested affair.
Nigeria came close to taking the lead midway through the first half when Akor Adams powered home a header, but celebrations were cut short after VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up. It was a decision that set the tone for a night of fine margins.
Egypt, led by their talisman Mohamed Salah, enjoyed more possession but struggled to turn control into genuine scoring opportunities. Salah threatened on a few occasions with deliveries from wide areas, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained alert, dealing confidently with any danger that came his way.
The Super Eagles grew into the game as it wore on, pressing higher in the second half and injecting more energy through the flanks. Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon caused problems with their pace, while Ademola Lookman thought he had broken the deadlock early after the restart. Once again, VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for offside.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough after regulation time, the match went straight to penalties.
In the shootout, Nigeria showed greater composure under pressure. Goals from Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman put the Super Eagles firmly in control. Egypt’s hopes faded when Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both missed their spot-kicks.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero of the night, producing two crucial saves during the shootout, including a stunning stop to deny Salah. Lookman then stepped up to calmly convert the decisive penalty, sealing Nigeria’s 4-2 victory.
The result secured Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and ensured the Super Eagles ended their campaign on a positive note after narrowly missing out on a place in the final. For Egypt, it was a frustrating night that summed up a tournament of missed opportunities, despite their strong defensive display.
