Nigeria claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff played on Saturday in Casablanca.
The encounter, regarded as a game of pride for both sides following disappointing semi-final exits, ended 0–0 in regulation time before Nigeria triumphed 4–2 on penalties.
Both coaches rang the changes, with Eric Chelle reshaping his squad with no fewer than five changes, while the Pharaohs made six alterations compared to their previous match. The numerous changes contributed to a slow start, with the game struggling to find early rhythm.
Nigeria showed strong character to bounce back from their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week, ensuring they concluded their AFCON campaign positively with a place on the podium.
The penalty shootout belonged to Stanley Nwabali, as the Nigeria goalkeeper produced two outstanding saves to deny Egypt’s star men — captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush — swinging the contest decisively in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s shootout did not begin smoothly, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeing his effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir. However, Nwabali quickly restored momentum with back-to-back saves from Salah and Marmoush.
Composed finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman sealed the victory and confirmed Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish.
Few chances in tightly contested encounter
In regulation time, the third-place playoff was evenly matched, with few clear-cut opportunities for either side.
Egypt created the first real opening when Salah threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, but Nwabali was quick off his line to smother the danger.
Salah later went close with two near-post efforts in quick succession. His first attempt, a deft flick from Mohamed Hany’s cross, was blocked by Nwabali, while the rebound deflected off Semi Ajayi for a corner.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead 10 minutes before halftime when Adams headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with Paul Onuachu adjudged to have fouled Hamdi Fathy in the build-up.
Nigeria depart Morocco with renewed belief and a bronze medal, while Egypt are left to reflect after falling just short in a tightly contested campaign.
The result further cemented Nigeria’s reputation in third-place playoffs. The Super Eagles, record holders with nine bronze medals, maintained their 100 per cent record in AFCON third-place matches, claiming bronze for the ninth time in the competition’s history.
