Nigeria rounded off their AFCON 2025 campaign in style, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal after a hard-fought, goalless third-place playoff in Casablanca.

The tense encounter at the Stade Mohammed V produced few clear-cut chances across 90 minutes, sending the match straight to a penalty shootout. There, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to tilt the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour. Successful penalties from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman completed the victory, handing Nigeria their ninth third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and extending their flawless record in bronze medal matches.

Egypt threatened first in the opening half when Salah released Mahmoud Trezeguet on goal, but Nwabali reacted quickly to deny him. The Liverpool star later tested the Nigerian keeper twice in quick succession, yet the Super Eagles remained resolute. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead just before halftime when Akor Adams headed home, but VAR intervened to rule out the goal for a foul in the build-up.

After the break, Nigeria pushed for a breakthrough and saw another effort disallowed when Lookman found the net but was caught offside. With both sides defensively disciplined and unwilling to take risks, penalties became inevitable—and Nigeria showed superior composure from the spot.

Reflecting on the win, Nwabali described the match as a tough battle against a strong opponent. “Both teams were solid and no one wanted to make a mistake,” he said, adding that calmness and instinct guided him during the shootout.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan admitted the contest was decided by fine margins, noting that penalty shootouts can swing either way despite his team’s disciplined display.

For Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, the bronze medal represented more than just a single result. He praised his players’ commitment over the course of the tournament and stressed that the performance was part of a broader journey aimed at shaping the future of the national team.

Super Eagles Beat Egypt on Penalties to Secure AFCON 2025 Bronze

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