Nigeria secured a record-extending ninth Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Casablanca on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero for the Super Eagles, saving spot-kicks from both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as Nigeria maintained their perfect record in third-place playoffs.
Ademola Lookman scored the decisive penalty to seal victory and provide a positive conclusion to Nigeria’s tournament after their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
The match at the Stade Mohammed V was a cagey affair throughout, with neither side able to find a breakthrough despite several promising opportunities.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Akor Adams headed home after Samuel Chukwueze’s cross found him unmarked in the box.
However, following an extended VAR check, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Paul Onuachu on Hamdy Fathy, with the towering striker shown a yellow card despite appearing oblivious to any contact.
Egypt created the better chances in the first half, with Salah missing a clear opportunity from close range after a brilliant assist from Mohamed Hany, whilst Nwabali was forced to rush off his line to clear danger when Trezeguet threatened.
The Super Eagles gradually found their rhythm as the match progressed, buoyed perhaps by the Morocco fans in attendance who encouraged Nigeria whilst whistling Egyptian possession.
Lookman, introduced at half-time for Onuachu, made an immediate impact and had the ball in the net within minutes, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.
The former African Footballer of the Year continued to threaten, forcing two excellent saves from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir as Nigeria pressed for a winner.
Late chances fell to both sides, with Lookman failing to find a teammate after substitute Alex Iwobi prised open the Egyptian defence, whilst Igoh Ogbu hauled down Ramy Rabia as Egypt sought to break.
Under AFCON regulations for third-place fixtures, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout after 90 minutes without extra time.
The shootout began dramatically as both opening penalties were saved, with Shobeir denying Fisayo Dele-Bashiru before Nwabali produced a strong hand to stop Salah’s well-taken effort.
Adams calmly converted Nigeria’s second penalty before Nwabali thwarted Marmoush’s attempt straight down the middle with his outstretched foot, giving the Super Eagles a crucial advantage.
Moses Simon made it 2-0 before Rabia pulled one back for Egypt, then Iwobi extended Nigeria’s lead to 3-1.
Mahmoud Saber reduced the deficit for the Pharaohs, but Lookman stepped up to seal victory with the final kick, denying Shobeir any chance to prolong the contest.
The triumph extends Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in AFCON third-place matches, with the Super Eagles maintaining a 100 percent success rate in bronze-medal playoffs dating back to 1976.
For Egypt, the defeat represents a disappointing end to their tournament after falling 1-0 to Senegal in the semi-finals, leaving them without a medal despite strong performances throughout.
Victor Osimhen remained on Nigeria’s substitutes’ bench throughout, suggesting he was carrying an injury from the semi-final defeat to Morocco, where he was withdrawn in extra time just before that penalty shootout.
The result provides Nigeria with momentum heading into future competitions, whilst Egypt can reflect on a tournament that promised much but ultimately delivered no silverware.
Morocco and Senegal will contest Sunday’s final in Rabat, with both nations seeking continental glory.
Egypt (4-3-3): Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Fathy, Sobhi; Lashin, Ashour, Sayed (Saber 61); Salah, Mohamed (Adel 73), Trezeguet (Marmoush 61)
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel (Iwobi 65), Ajayi (Awaziem 90+2), Ogbu, Onyemaechi; Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika; Chukwueze (Ejuke 90+1), Adams, Simon; Onuachu (Lookman 46)
Referee: Moroccan official
Attendance: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Morocco face Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final at 20:00 GMT on S
