AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to finish 3rd

Nigeria defeated Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 third-place playoff, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in Casablanca.

The Super Eagles secured their ninth AFCON bronze medal, with Ademola Lookman scoring the decisive spot-kick.

The clash between Nigeria and Egypt was a tense affair, played at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Both sides struggled to break the deadlock across 90 minutes, with few clear chances created.

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Akor Adams found the net, but the goal was ruled out by VAR.

Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, also pressed forward but failed to find a breakthrough against Nigeria’s disciplined defence.

With the score locked at 0-0, the match went straight to penalties.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks, including Salah’s opening attempt.

The Super Eagles showed composure, with Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams converting their penalties before Ademola Lookman sealed the victory.

Egypt faltered under pressure, missing their first two attempts, which proved decisive.

This victory gave Nigeria a record-extending ninth bronze medal in AFCON history, underlining their consistency in the tournament.

It also provided redemption after their semifinal defeat to hosts Morocco.

For Egypt, the loss was a bitter end to their campaign, leaving them empty-handed despite strong performances earlier in the competition.