Nigeria wrapped up their TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 campaign on a high note after overcoming Egypt 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday night.
The bronze medal encounter lived up to its billing as a tense and tactical affair, with both African giants cancelling each other out over 90 minutes of hard-fought football. Chances were scarce in the opening half, as defensive discipline and midfield battles took centre stage.
Nigeria came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval when Jerome Adams Akor found the net, but celebrations were cut short after VAR intervened, ruling the goal out due to an elbow in the build-up. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ademola Lookman briefly thinking he had given the Super Eagles the lead, only for an offside decision to halt play.
Egypt relied heavily on the movement and creativity of Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Mohamed to unlock Nigeria’s defence, but the Super Eagles remained compact and organised at the back. At the other end, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu offered attacking presence, though the Pharaohs’ defence stood firm to force the match into penalties.
The shootout swung decisively in Nigeria’s favour thanks to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who produced crucial saves to deny Salah and Omar Marmoush. Despite Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeing his opening kick saved by Oufa Shobeir, Nigeria showed composure from the spot, with Simon, Lookman, Adams and Alex Iwobi all converting their penalties.
The victory secured Nigeria a well-earned bronze medal, bringing their AFCON 2025 journey to a positive conclusion.
Attention now turns to the final showdown on Sunday, as Senegal and hosts Morocco battle for continental supremacy at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 PM EAT.
