Nigeria maintained their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-offs, beating Egypt on penalties to claim bronze at the 2025 tournament on Saturday (17 January).
After a goalless draw in regulation time in Casablanca, the match went straight to a shootout, with the Super Eagles prevailing 4-2. Akor Adams had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR in a game short on clear chances.
Nigeria won the toss and opted to shoot first, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. Egypt were unable to take advantage. Stanley Nwabali turned the momentum decisively Nigeria’s way by saving successive penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber kept Egypt alive from the spot, but Nigeria were clinical thereafter. Adams, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi all converted confidently before Ademola Lookman stepped up to slot home the decisive kick.
The victory secured Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish at men’s continental football tournament, more than any other nation, and preserved their unblemished record in third-place matches at the tournament.
