The Super Eagles triumphed over Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday to secure the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a suspenseful third-place playoff at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The match concluded without goals after 90 minutes, leading to a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged pivotal, rejecting penalties from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to secure Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish and uphold their flawless record in this contest.
The coach Eric Chelle selected a changed lineup, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman kept on the bench.
Nwabali kept his position in goal, supported by a defense of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika were in midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze played on the wings, supporting Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria started strong and generated the initial chance in the 13th minute when an Egyptian defender deflected Adams’ shot out for a corner. The two teams then fell into a cautious pattern with defenses prevailing.
Adams seemed to have given the Eagles the advantage in the 36th minute with a strong header, but the goal was disallowed after VAR examination revealed Onuachu had elbowed a defender during the buildup. The forward received a yellow card for the foul.
The teams headed into the break even, and Lookman took Onuachu’s place at the beginning of the second half.
The Atalanta attacker found the back of the net shortly after the restart, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
During the shootout, Dele-Bashiru failed to convert Nigeria’s first kick, yet Nwabali stopped Salah’s attempt to maintain the score. Adams scored after Marmoush was thwarted by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Simon and Iwobi scored with composure, and after Mahmud Sabir narrowed the gap for Egypt, Lookman secured the win with the crucial kick.
Nigeria advanced to the playoffs after a painful semifinal defeat to the hosts, Morocco, on penalties, while Egypt lost 1-0 to Senegal in their semifinal match.
The Eagles led Group C with wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, then defeated Mozambique and Algeria in the elimination stages.
Egypt, seven-time champions, advanced from Group B and ousted Benin and Ivory Coast before losing in the semi-finals.
Saturday’s victory reinforced Nigeria’s impressive superiority in AFCON bronze matches and provided solace following their close call in the title chase.
