The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third place play off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the decisive figure after a goalless 90 minutes.
Nigeria started with purpose and had the first clear look at goal in the 14th minute when Akor Adams used his strength to break free, but his effort took a deflection and was easily gathered by Mohamed Shobeir. Egypt responded through Mohamed Salah, who dropped deep in the 18th minute to release Trezeguet, only for Nwabali to read the danger and rush off his line to clear with his feet.
The Egyptian captain was again denied in the 28th minute after finding space behind the Super Eagles defence, but Nwabali stood firm, saving twice from close range before the ensuing corner came to nothing. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Adams’ header from a precise Samuel Chukwueze cross deflected in off Paul Onuachu, but the goal was ruled out after Onuachu was penalised and booked for an elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build up, a decision that left the striker visibly confused.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough. Raphael Onyedika fired straight at Shobeir in the 51st minute, while Moses Simon tested the goalkeeper moments later with a similar outcome. Egypt threatened through Emam Ashour on the hour mark, but his shot from outside the area sailed over the bar.
As the match wore on, both teams appealed for penalties in quick succession during the 79th minute, with Adams and then Omar Marmoush going down in the box at opposite ends, but the referee waved away both claims and VAR upheld the decisions. Alex Iwobi nearly created a late winner in the 87th minute when he released Ademola Lookman down the left, but the winger could not find a teammate, while Egypt earned a free kick in a dangerous area shortly after when Bruno Ogbu brought down Rabia.
With the scores still level at full time, the contest was settled by a penalty shoot out. Dele Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first kick, but Egypt failed to capitalize as Salah also saw his efforts saved by Nwabali. Adams converted calmly before Marmoush missed, handing Nigeria the advantage. Simon and Iwobi both scored to keep the Super Eagles in control, while Rabia and Saber responded for Egypt. The decisive moment arrived when Lookman stepped up and calmly converted his spot kick, sealing a 4-2 shoot out victory and confirming Nigeria’s ninth AFCON bronze medal.
It was the 10th Africa Cup of Nations meeting between the two sides and Egypt’s seventh appearance in a third place play off, though they have not won the fixture since 1974. For Nigeria, the night belonged to Nwabali, whose composure and decisive saves ensured the Super Eagles finished their AFCON 2025 campaign on the podium.
