Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday after edging Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Both sides failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes, and the match ultimately hinged on a dramatic shootout in which goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again rose to the occasion.
The interim coach made several changes to his starting XI, opting to rest Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman at kickoff. Nwabali retained his spot in goal, shielded by a back line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika marshalled the midfield, while Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze provided width behind strikers Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria began the contest on the front foot, forcing an early save in the 13th minute when Adams’ shot was deflected out for a corner. The opening period was otherwise cagey, with both teams cautious and defensive structures holding firm. The Eagles thought they had taken the lead shortly before halftime when Adams headed home, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a foul by Onuachu in the build-up.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Lookman replaced Onuachu at the break and quickly found the net, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny him for offside. Alex Iwobi was later introduced as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but clear chances remained rare as the sides battled towards full time at 0–0.
With no extra time in AFCON’s bronze match, the tie went straight to penalties. Nigeria initially looked in trouble when Dele-Bashiru missed the first kick, but Nwabali swung momentum back by saving Mohamed Salah’s attempt. Adams converted next before Nwabali denied Oumar Marmoush to put Nigeria ahead. Simon and Iwobi dispatched their kicks with composure, and although Mahmud Sabir pulled one back for Egypt, Lookman sealed victory with the final effort.
The result gave Nigeria a ninth third-place finish in the tournament’s history and maintained their perfect record in bronze-medal matches. The Super Eagles had reached the playoff after a painful penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semifinals, while Egypt’s campaign was halted by Senegal in a narrow 1–0 loss. Saturday’s win provided consolation for Nigeria after narrowly missing out on the championship title and underscored the nation’s enduring AFCON pedigree.
