Nigeria clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Egypt on penalties in the third-place play-off, played on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
The match itself ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate after 90 minutes of regulation time, with no extra time required for this consolation fixture. Both teams, still reeling from their semi-final defeats—Nigeria on penalties to the hosts Morocco and Egypt 1-0 to Senegal—showed clear signs of fatigue and caution. The game lacked the goal-scoring fireworks of earlier knockout rounds, featuring limited clear-cut chances and strong defensive performances on both sides.
Nigeria created the better opportunities overall, with Ademola Lookman testing the Egyptian goalkeeper with a powerful strike in the second half that was well saved. Earlier, Paul Onuachu thought he had given the Super Eagles the lead just before halftime, but the goal was controversially ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
Egypt, captained by Mohamed Salah, relied on counter-attacks and set pieces but struggled to break down Nigeria’s organized backline, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making a key early save to deny Salah.
The contest ultimately headed to penalties, where nerves and quality decided the outcome. Nigeria went first, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening kick saved by Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir. However, the momentum swung dramatically in Nigeria’s favor thanks to the heroics of Stanley Nwabali in goal.
The Super Eagles stopper produced two massive saves: first denying Mohamed Salah’s effort, then stopping Omar Marmoush’s attempt down the middle with a crucial trailing leg. Nigeria’s subsequent takers converted confidently—Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and finally Ademola Lookman sealed the win—despite Egypt managing one successful penalty from Ramy Rabia.
This triumph extended Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs to nine wins (including their 1976 bronze when the format differed), marking a record-extending ninth bronze medal for the Super Eagles and the most of any nation in the competition’s history.
It provided a redeeming end to a tournament where Nigeria had been among the most entertaining sides, scoring heavily in earlier rounds before falling agonizingly short against Morocco in the semis.
For Egypt, the defeat meant another missed opportunity for continental silverware, with Salah enduring further penalty heartbreak after his side’s semi-final exit. The result sets up Sunday’s final between hosts Morocco and Senegal, while Nigeria depart Morocco with pride restored and valuable momentum heading into future challenges, including World Cup qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Nwabali emerged as the undisputed man of the match, his saves proving decisive in a match that ultimately came down to composure from 12 yards.