Super Eagles beat Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON 2025 bronze

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday edged past Egypt 4–2 on penalties to clinch the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a tense third-place playoff encounter.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as Nigeria’s hero, producing two crucial saves during the shootout, including a stop from Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah, to swing the contest in Nigeria’s favour.

Ademola Lookman calmly converted the decisive spot kick, sealing Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in the history of the continental tournament.

The match itself was fiercely contested, with both sides adopting a physical approach that limited clear-cut scoring chances. Nigeria came closest in the first half when Paul Onuachu bundled the ball into the net from an Akor Adams effort, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to break the deadlock despite periods of pressure, as the encounter ended goalless at regulation time and proceeded straight to penalties.

Although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, Nwabali’s back-to-back saves from Egypt’s first two penalties handed the Super Eagles a decisive advantage.

Nigeria’s remaining penalty takers were composed and accurate, allowing Lookman to complete the job and maintain the country’s perfect record in AFCON third-place playoff matches.

Meanwhile, host nation Morocco will face Senegal in the tournament final on Sunday.