Nigeria claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt following a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the third-place playoff on Saturday at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.
The match, played on January 17, saw both teams display disciplined defending and limited clear chances throughout regulation time. Nigeria twice thought they had broken the deadlock, only for goals to be disallowed. In the first half, Paul Onuachu’s effort was ruled out after a VAR review confirmed he had elbowed Egypt defender Hamdi Fathy in the face. After the break, substitute Ademola Lookman had his strike chalked off for offside.
Despite the lack of goals, Nigeria showed more attacking intent, forcing several saves from Egypt’s goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. Egypt’s star forward Mohamed Salah had limited impact, with his best moments thwarted by Nigerian keeper Stanley Nwabali.
The contest went straight to penalties, where Nwabali emerged as the hero once again. After Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening kick saved by Shobeir, Nwabali denied Salah with a strong hand save and then stopped Omar Marmoush’s effort down the middle with his foot. Nigeria converted their subsequent penalties confidently, with Lookman slotting home the decisive kick to seal the 4-2 win.
This triumph extends Nigeria’s remarkable record, marking their ninth third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations—more than any other nation—and preserving their perfect record in third-place playoff matches.
The result provides consolation for the Super Eagles after their semi-final exit to hosts Morocco on penalties. For Egypt, the Pharaohs’ campaign ends without a medal despite reaching the last four, having lost to Senegal in their semi-final.
With the bronze decided, attention now turns to Sunday’s final between Senegal and host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where the Atlas Lions aim to end a 50-year wait for a second continental title.