The Super Eagles triumphed over Egypt’s Pharaohs in a tense penalty shootout, winning 4-2 to secure the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
After 90 minutes of goalless play, the match progressed to penalties, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush. This victory marks Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintains their perfect record in this fixture.
Interim coach fielded a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his position in goal, supported by a defensive line comprising Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored the midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the wings behind forwards Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria started the match brightly, creating the first opportunity in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected out by an Egyptian defender. Both teams then settled into a cautious rhythm, with strong defensive performances on display.
Adams seemed to have given the Eagles the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review revealed that Onuachu had elbowed a defender in the build-up. The striker received a booking for the offence.
At half-time, the teams remained level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu as the second half commenced. Shortly after the restart, Lookman found the net, but the strike was ruled offside.
As Nigeria sought a breakthrough, Alex Iwobi came on for Osayi-Samuel, but clear chances remained limited, and the match ended in stalemate, leading to penalties.
In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali saved Salah’s attempt to keep the scores level. Adams converted his penalty, and Nwabali denied Marmoush again. Simon and Iwobi scored confidently, and after Mahmud Sabir pulled one back for Egypt, Lookman sealed the victory with the decisive kick.
Nigeria had reached the playoff following a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt had fallen 1-0 to Senegal in their semi-final clash.
The Eagles topped Group C with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda before defeating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout stages. Egypt, seven-time champions, progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast before their semi-final defeat.
Saturday’s triumph further solidified Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in AFCON bronze matches and provided a sense of consolation after their near miss in the title race.
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