The Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties on Saturday to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the decisive figure in the shootout. He saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush, sealing Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and extending their perfect record in bronze-medal matches.
Nigeria fielded a rotated lineup, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali anchored the defence, while Moses Simon captained the side and Paul Onuachu led the attack alongside Akor Adams.
Nigeria started strongly and created early chances, including a 13th-minute effort from Adams that was deflected behind. Adams later had a header ruled out after VAR review showed Onuachu had fouled a defender in the buildup. Onuachu was booked, and the teams went into halftime level.
Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half and briefly thought he had scored, only for his effort to be ruled offside. With few clear chances for either side, the match went straight to penalties.
After Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first kick, Nwabali kept the Eagles alive by denying Salah. Adams, Simon and Iwobi converted their efforts, while Nwabali saved Marmoush’s attempt. Lookman then struck the winning penalty to confirm victory.
The result provided consolation for Nigeria after their semi-final penalty defeat to hosts Morocco and capped a strong tournament in which they topped their group and advanced deep into the competition.
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