Nigeria brought an end to their recent penalty woes by defeating Egypt in a shootout to clinch third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a tense 0-0 draw in Casablanca.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, producing outstanding saves to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. His efforts paved the way for Ademola Lookman to convert the decisive penalty, despite psychological tactics from Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The victory came as a timely boost for Nigeria, who had suffered penalty heartbreak against Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final and were also knocked out of World Cup qualifying by DR Congo via spot-kicks in November.
Nigeria looked the more threatening side over the course of the match and twice believed they had broken the deadlock against the Pharaohs.
Nigeria’s Disallowed Goals and VAR Drama at AFCON 2025
Their first apparent breakthrough came nine minutes before the interval when Paul Onuachu’s involvement in the build-up was judged to be a foul after a VAR review by referee Jalal Jayed.
Lookman, introduced at half-time, later had a close-range header chalked off early in the second half, with the offside flag raised against Akor Adams.
Despite the frustration, the result maintains Nigeria’s flawless record in Afcon third-place matches. It marks their eighth win in such fixtures and adds to their bronze medal from the 1976 edition.
Victor Osimhen remained on the bench throughout, and the result also strengthens the chances of Morocco’s Brahim Diaz securing the golden boot. The playmaker currently leads the scoring charts with five goals, ahead of Ayoub El Kaabi, Sadio Mane and Pape Gueye.
Stanley Nwabali’s Penalty Shootout Heroics Seal Nigeria’s AFCON Bronze
Egypt made six changes from their semi-final loss, while Nigeria rotated five players. The early stages were cagey, with Nwabali called into action to parry a flick from Salah before the Egyptian captain’s rebound was deflected wide.
Nigeria thought they had scored soon after, when Akor Adams’ header from Samuel Chukwueze’s cross deflected in off Onuachu. However, VAR again intervened, and Jayed overturned the goal, booking Onuachu for an elbow on Hamdy Fathy.
The Super Eagles pushed for a late winner, but appeals for a penalty went unanswered after Fathy appeared to shove Adams from behind inside the final 10 minutes.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match headed for penalties in front of a lively crowd largely supporting Nigeria.
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Shobeir saved the opening kick from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but Nwabali responded by denying Salah and then blocking Marmoush’s effort down the middle.
Salah’s disappointment continued after his hopes of lifting a first Afcon title ended in the semi-finals against Senegal.
Nigeria’s remaining penalties were converted with confidence, and Lookman struck the winning kick to ensure the Super Eagles return home with bronze from AFCON 2025.
Senegal will now face hosts Morocco in Sunday’s final in Rabat (19:00 GMT), with both sides aiming to lift their second continental crown and secure $10m (£7.475m) in prize money.
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