By

Eniola Olatunji 

 

The Nigerian Super Eagles on Saturday night in Casablanca, Morocco, claimed their ninth bronze medal in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history after edging past the Pharaohs of Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place match of the 2025 tournament.

 

The encounter ended goalless after regulation time, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout that mirrored Nigeria’s semifinal heartbreak against hosts Morocco. This time, however, it was Nigeria celebrating, thanks largely to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose heroics earned him the Man of the Match award announced promptly by CAF.

 

Nwabali set the tone by saving Egypt captain Mohamed Salah’s opening kick before denying Omar Marmoush’s effort with his leg, effectively crushing Egypt’s hopes of returning to Cairo with a medal. The result meant Salah bowed out of the tournament without silverware.

 

Nigeria’s shootout did not begin smoothly as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the opening kick. Akor Adams restored confidence by converting Nigeria’s second attempt, followed by successful kicks from Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi. Former African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, then sealed the bronze medal with a composed and dazzling finish.

 

The shootout was the 48th in AFCON history and the third at the 2025 tournament, following penalty deciders in the quarterfinals and Nigeria’s semifinal loss to Morocco.

 

Both teams were affected by suspensions and tactical rotations. Egypt were without Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen, both banned for two matches following alleged misconduct in the semifinal against Senegal. Nigeria rested captain Wilfred Ndidi and star striker Victor Osimhen, while Calvin Bassey served a one-match ban. Moses Simon captained the side and later received a yellow card in the 45th minute, ruling him out of Nigeria’s next CAF-organized fixture. Lookman and Iwobi were introduced in the second half.

 

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Paul Onuachu powered home a header from a Samuel Chukwueze cross, but VAR ruled out the goal for an elbow foul in the buildup.

 

Despite dominating possession with 53 percent and completing 459 passes, Egypt struggled to create clear chances, registering just one shot on target from four attempts in 90 minutes. Nigeria were more purposeful, recording five shots on target and earning four corner kicks, though all were successfully defended. Moroccan fans in the stands threw their weight behind Nigeria, booing Egyptian advances throughout the match.

 

Disciplinary statistics showed Nigeria received all three yellow cards in the match, while fouls were called 18 times against Nigeria and 15 against Egypt.

 

Historically, Egypt have held the upper hand over Nigeria, winning four of their previous seven meetings. However, Nigeria have now added another significant chapter to the rivalry by denying the seven-time African champions a medal.

 

At the tournament, Egypt scored nine goals and conceded four, keeping two clean sheets en route to the semifinals before losing narrowly to Senegal. Nigeria, by contrast, scored an impressive 14 goals, conceded four, and kept two clean sheets, including a dominant 4–0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16.

 

Egypt, ranked 35th in the world and making their 27th AFCON appearance, remain the most successful nation in the competition’s history with seven titles. Nigeria, ranked 38th globally and competing in their 21st AFCON, have now won the trophy three times, alongside five silver and nine bronze medals.

 

Attention now shifts to the final, a heavyweight clash between hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lions and Senegal’s Teranga Lions, scheduled for 9pm in Rabat. Nigeria will travel to Rabat on Sunday morning to receive their bronze medals during the post-final award ceremony.