Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff against Egypt ended in a 4–2 penalty shootout victory following a 0–0 draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The match was a tight, cagey affair with both sides creating few clear chances. Nigeria had two goals ruled out, Paul Onuachu’s close-range effort was disallowed after a VAR review and Ademola Lookman’s second-half strike was flagged offside, leaving the contest deadlocked after 90 minutes.
In the shootout, Nigeria held their nerve. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, making crucial saves, including stops against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, which swung the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman converted their penalties for the Super Eagles, while Egypt managed two successful spot kicks.
Lookman’s composed final penalty sealed the win and extended Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches. The result marks Nigeria’s ninth bronze medal finish in the history of the tournament, underscoring their consistency in continental competition.
The victory comes after Nigeria’s narrow semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on penalties, and serves as a morale boost for the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
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