The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Casablanca.
The encounter was a tightly fought contest, with both teams cancelling each other out over 90 minutes of regulation time.
Clear-cut chances were scarce as Nigeria and Egypt struggled to break down well-organised defences.
Nigeria raised the tempo in the second half and pressed higher up the pitch, coming closest to finding a winner, but Egypt held firm to force the match into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, Nigeria displayed superior composure. The Super Eagles converted four of their penalties, while Egypt faltered with two misses.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero of the night, producing two decisive saves in the shootout, including a crucial stop against Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah.
Ademola Lookman calmly converted the winning penalty to seal victory for Nigeria, securing the country’s ninth third-place finish in Africa Cup of Nations history and ending their AFCON 2025 campaign on a high note.
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