Casablanca, Morocco – Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, overcoming the heartbreak of their semi-final loss on spot-kicks to Morocco.
The third-place match at Stade Mohammed V ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, with no extra time played, forcing a shoot-out to decide the winner.
Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving attempts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to give the Super Eagles the edge. Nigeria converted four of their penalties, clinching the bronze medal for a record ninth time.
The match was tense, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to find the net in regulation time. Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi were among the successful penalty takers who sealed the win.
The victory marks a morale-boosting end for Nigeria after their semi-final defeat on penalties to hosts Morocco, giving the team confidence ahead of future international tournaments.
The AFCON 2025 final will take place tomorrow, with Morocco facing Senegal to decide the continental champion.
