Nigeria signed off at Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on a positive note, defeating long-time rivals Egypt in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal. After a tense and goalless 90 minutes that offered few clear chances, the Super Eagles held the nerve in a penalty shootout, winning 4–2 to bring relief and pride to fans back home.
Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
Occasion: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 third-place playoff – Bronze medal match
Summary
Nigeria claimed third place at AFCON 2025 after a goalless 90 minutes against Egypt, ultimately prevailing 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The win gives the Super Eagles their record-extending ninth bronze medal in Nations Cup history and lets them finish the tournament on a high after semi-final heartbreak.
Match Narrative
First Half
Both teams began cautiously in what quickly became a tactical chess match:
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Egypt’s structure looked solid and composed, limiting Nigeria’s space and opportunities early on.
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Nigeria pressed high and controlled much of the possession but struggled to create clear goalscoring chances against a compact Pharaohs defence.
The best early opportunity came from Akor Adams for Nigeria — his deflected effort appeared to find the net, but it was ruled out for a foul in the buildup after VAR review.
At the other end, Mohamed Salah’s close-range attempt was well saved by Nigeria keeper, Stanley Nwabali, keeping the clean sheet alive for the Super Eagles.
Half-time arrived with the scoreboard reading 0–0, reflecting a game that was competitive but lacked a breakthrough moment in open play.
Second Half
The pattern remained much the same after the restart:
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Nigeria enjoyed slightly more possession and territorial advantage, while Egypt threatened sporadically on the counter.
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Another goal for Nigeria — this time by Ademola Lookman shortly after the break — was ruled out for offside, maintaining the deadlock.
Despite both sides pushing late, neither team could unlock the defence, and the referee blew for full-time with goals still eluding both sides.
Penalty Shootout
With no extra time in this bronze matchup, the winner was determined from the spot:
Nigeria (4)–(2) Egypt on penalties
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Nigeria converted four of their penalties with composure.
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Stanley Nwabali was the key figure, saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt.
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Ademola Lookman, introduced earlier as a substitute, stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sealing the bronze medal for Nigeria.
Egypt managed to score only two of their spot kicks, with missed opportunities from Salah and Marmoush proving costly.
Key Performers
Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria)
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Produced crucial saves in the shootout, turning the tide in Nigeria’s favour.
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A dependable presence throughout the match and decisive when it mattered most.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
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Though his regular-time goal was ruled offside, Lookman’s confidence from the spot ultimately delivered the bronze.
Egyptian Misses
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Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, two of Egypt’s most influential attackers, were unable to convert their penalties, a major factor in Egypt missing out on third place.
Conclusion
This tightly contested match demonstrated the defensive discipline and tactical caution of both teams. Despite a frustrating 90 minutes without goals, Nigeria’s calm and clinical performance in the penalty shootout proved decisive.
The Super Eagles depart AFCON 2025 with bronze and renewed confidence, while Egypt will rue missed chances — especially from the spot.
