The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim 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, forcing a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive. He saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush as Nigeria secured their ninth AFCON third-place finish.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen named a rotated side, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench. Nwabali started in goal behind a back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze played wide behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria started brightly and created the first chance in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected for a corner. The Eagles thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute through Adams’ header, but VAR ruled it out for an elbow by Onuachu in the build-up.
Ademola Lookman replaced Onuachu after the break and briefly found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, and the match headed straight to penalties.
In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first kick, but Nwabali saved Salah’s effort to restore parity. Adams converted before the goalkeeper denied Marmoush again. Simon and Alex Iwobi scored their penalties, and after Mahmud Sabir pulled one back for Egypt, Lookman sealed the win with the final kick.
Nigeria reached the playoff after losing their semi-final to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt were beaten 1-0 by Senegal. The bronze medal match victory extended Nigeria’s strong record in third-place playoffs at the Africa Cup of Nations.
