The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero of the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and preserve their perfect record in bronze-medal matches. The encounter had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, with both sides struggling to break each other down despite several half chances.
Nigeria fielded a rotated squad, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench, and created the better openings during the match, including a disallowed first-half header by Akor Adams following a VAR review. After further efforts were ruled out in the second half, the game went to penalties, where despite Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missing Nigeria’s opening kick, Nwabali’s saves turned the tide. Simon, Alex Iwobi and Lookman all converted their efforts, with Lookman sealing the victory, offering consolation for the Super Eagles after their semi-final loss to hosts Morocco.