Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4 – 2 in a shootout to win the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The third-place playoff, played on Saturday in Casablanca, ended 0 – 0 after 90 minutes before Nigeria prevailed from the spot. Nwabali saved penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, while Ademola Lookman converted the winning kick.
The result ended Nigeria’s recent struggles in penalty shootouts. The Super Eagles had lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals earlier in the week and were also eliminated from the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers by DR Congo in a shootout in November.
Nigeria showed more attacking intent during the match and had two goals ruled out. Nine minutes before half-time, Paul Onuachu’s effort was disallowed after referee Jalal Jayed ruled there was a foul in the build-up following a video assistant referee review.
Early in the second half, Lookman, who came on as a substitute at the break, had a close-range header ruled out for offside against Akor Adams.
The game remained tight and physical, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. With neither team able to score, the contest went straight to penalties.
Egypt gained an early advantage when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first kick. However, Nwabali immediately shifted the momentum by saving Egypt’s first two attempts, including Salah’s effort. Nigeria’s remaining penalty takers converted their kicks, allowing Lookman to seal the win.
The victory extended Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches and earned the country its ninth bronze medal in the competition.
Victor Osimhen was an unused substitute for Nigeria, a result that could boost Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz’s chances of finishing as top scorer. Diaz has five goals, ahead of Ayoub El Kaabi, Sadio Mane and Pape Gueye.
Host nation Morocco will face Senegal in the final on Sunday in Rabat.
