Nigeria’s Super Eagles have extended their unparalleled record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-offs, clinching the bronze medal at AFCON 2025 with a tense 4–2 penalty shoot-out victory over Egypt on Saturday.
After a tight, scoreless 90 minutes at the Stade Mohammed V, neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time, despite Nigeria having two goals ruled out by VAR. The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure by saving two key spot kicks, including attempts by Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour. Calm finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who converted the decisive kick, sealed the win for the Super Eagles.
Nwabali’s performance under pressure was pivotal, earning praise from fans and pundits alike for his composure and shot-stopping in the shoot-out after both teams battled through a tightly contested match that lacked the fluency of previous rounds. Lookman’s cool finish to clinch the bronze capped a strong overall showing for the Nigerian squad.
The victory marks a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal for Nigeria — a perfect run in third-place matches that no other nation in the tournament’s history has matched. The Super Eagles have now won every third-place play-off they have contested, reinforcing their reputation as Africa’s “kings of bronze.”
Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco reflected both resilience and quality. After being edged out in a dramatic semi-final shoot-out against hosts Morocco, the Super Eagles bounced back to finish their run on a high, showcasing depth and character across the squad. Egypt, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances and penalty kicks as they concluded a competitive tournament without a podium finish.
