Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in the third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
The encounter was keenly contested from start to finish, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a breakthrough during regulation time. With no extra time stipulated for the third-place match, the contest was decided from the penalty spot, where Nigeria showed greater composure.
First Half
The opening exchanges were lively. Egypt threatened early when Trezeguet attempted an outside-of-the-boot cross aimed at Mohamed Salah, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali reacted quickly to smother the danger. At the other end, Akor Adams had Nigeria’s first clear sight of goal in the 14th minute, forcing a routine save from Egypt’s keeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy Shobeir.
Salah remained Egypt’s main outlet, twice getting close in the 28th minute after the Pharaohs broke behind Nigeria’s defence, but Nwabali produced two fine saves from close range. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out after Paul Onuachu was penalised for an elbow in the build-up.
The half ended goalless, with both teams cancelling each other out despite periods of pressure.
Second Half
Nigeria started the second period brightly and nearly broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart when Ademola Lookman found the net. However, the goal was disallowed for offside against Akor Adams.
The Super Eagles enjoyed more possession as the half wore on, but Egypt remained dangerous on the counter. Shobeir rushed off his line in the 54th minute to clear a dangerous ball as Adams attempted to latch onto a through pass. Nigeria continued to press, winning a corner in the 71st minute, but Egypt broke quickly from the clearance, only for Mohamed’s effort to be saved by Nwabali.
Defensive discipline proved crucial for Nigeria, particularly when Bright Osayi-Samuel tracked back superbly to deny Omar Marmoush in the 64th minute before being substituted as a precaution due to a hamstring concern.
As the match approached full time, Egypt earned a promising free-kick in the 88th minute, but Salah’s effort struck the wall, summing up a frustrating evening in front of goal for both sides. Four minutes of stoppage time were added, yet neither team could find the decisive goal.
Penalty Shootout
With the score still 0-0 after 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties. Nigeria held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their kicks, while Egypt missed twice. The 4-2 shootout victory handed Nigeria the bronze medal and a podium finish to cap their AFCON 2025 campaign.
The result marked a strong response from the Super Eagles after semi-final disappointment, highlighting their resilience and defensive solidity on the continental stage.
AFCON 2025 Bronze Match: Nigeria Beat Egypt 4-2 on Penalties After Goalless Draw
