Nigeria ended their long penalty shootout struggles after defeating Egypt on spot-kicks to claim third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The third-place match finished goalless after 90 minutes, but the Super Eagles triumphed in the shootout thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. He saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, before Ademola Lookman calmly converted the winning kick despite distractions from Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir.
The victory came as redemption for Nigeria, who had earlier lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. They had also suffered a similar fate against DR Congo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
Nigeria were the better side during regulation time and showed more attacking intent. Eric Chelle’s men had the ball in the net twice, but both goals were ruled out. Paul Onuachu had a goal disallowed just before half-time after a VAR review judged he fouled an Egypt defender in the build-up. Early in the second half, Lookman’s close-range header was also ruled out for offside.
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Egypt made several changes from their semi-final defeat, while Nigeria rested key striker Victor Osimhen, who remained an unused substitute. Despite this, the Super Eagles continued to press, with Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams both coming close.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match went to penalties. Although Shobeir saved Nigeria’s first kick taken by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nwabali turned the shootout around with two brilliant saves. The remaining Nigerian penalties were perfectly taken, with Lookman sealing the win.
The result extends Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches and adds another bronze medal to their history, following a similar achievement at the 1976 tournament.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah suffered another AFCON disappointment, as his hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time were already dashed in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the result boosts Morocco star Brahim Diaz’s chances of winning the tournament’s golden boot.
Nigeria now returns home from Morocco with pride and a deserved medal to show for their efforts.
