The Super Eagles concluded their campaign at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament with a penalty shootout win over Egypt in the third-placed playoffs on Saturday.
Nigeria had suffered a disappointing defeat to Morocco through the same route on Wednesday, but bounced back to win their first shootout in three attempts.
Egypt, meanwhile had lost to Senegal in their own last four encounter after a passive performance in attack.
Eric Chelle rested several players for the clash, but it was Nigeria who enjoyed the better chances and even had two goals chalked off.
First, Akor Adams had a strike ruled out for a foul in the buildup, before Ademola Lookman’s early goal in the second half was also chalked off for offside.
The game headed into penalties after a goalless 90 minutes in Casablanca. When Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s first, it looked like it would be another disappointing night, but Stanley Nwabali saved two of Egypt’s attempts as the Super Eagles clinched their ninth bronze medal in AFCON history.
In this article, SportPremi reveals things we learnt from the encounter;
Nwabali steps up with crucial penalty saves
There were several doubts over the goalkeeper’s ability to lead Nigeria at the AFCON tournament after several uninspiring displays during the World Cup qualifiers.
However, he has proven to be a very important member of the squad with a strong showing in Morocco and has now saved at least one attempt from the Super Eagles’ last three shootout attempts.
This time around, he kept out Mohamed Salah’s effort, before a trailing leg stopped Omar Marmoush’ penalty aimed for the middle of the post.
They went on to win 4-2 after Lookman scored the decisive kick and will be grateful to their hero of the night, who helped them win the bronze medal.
Nigeria banish penalty shootout demons
Nigeria already lost their last two penalty shootouts. The first was in the CAF playoff finals to DR Congo which ended their World Cup hopes, while the most recent one was in last Wednesday’s semifinal defeat to 2025 AFCON hosts Morocco.
When the third-placed match headed into shootout once again, fans already doubted the team’s ability from 12 yards after recent setbacks.
Despite missing their first attempt, the Super Eagles scored the next four while goalkeeper Nwabali kept out two of Egypt’s attempts to give Nigeria a 4-2 win on penalties.
Nigeria have two strikes ruled out
Nigeria were on the end of some poor officiating in their semifinal defeat to Morocco and had two big calls go against them during their clash with Egypt.
Adams first half header was controversially ruled out after an accidental elbow by Paul Onuachu on a defender. The Egypt player was even going to get nowhere the ball and the goal should have stood, while it was just a slight contact from Onuachu, who wasn’t aware of the presence of the defender.
Then Lookman had a goal immediately after the restart canceled for offside in the buildup as the match remained goalless.
Nigeria win ninth bronze medal at AFCON
The Super Eagles won a record ninth bronze at the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, five more than Ivory Coast who have the second most with four.
It was also their 17th podium finish at the tournament, which is the most in history, as they closed out an impressive showing in Morocco with third place.
