The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a commendable third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), earning $2.5 million (approximately N3.56 billion at current exchange rates) after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the bronze medal play-off held on January 17, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.
The match concluded in a tense 0-0 draw after regulation time, with both teams displaying disciplined defensive performances and limited clear-cut chances. Nigeria showed more attacking intent at times, but a goal by Paul Onuachu was controversially disallowed following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah threatened early but was largely contained by the Nigerian backline.
The contest proceeded directly to a penalty shootout, where Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive hero. He saved two crucial penalties, including a vital stop from superstar Mohamed Salah on Egypt's opening kick and another from Omar Marmoush. Nigeria's takers—despite an early miss—converted confidently, with Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman slotting home to seal the victory. This result preserved Nigeria's perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs, marking their ninth bronze medal—more than any other nation in the tournament's history—and extending their unbeaten streak in such fixtures.
The achievement provided a positive conclusion to Nigeria's campaign under coach Eric Chelle, following a heartbreaking semi-final exit on penalties against hosts Morocco. Although talisman Victor Osimhen remained an unused substitute, likely due to a minor injury concern from the previous match, the team's resilience and Nwabali's heroics highlighted the depth and spirit within the squad.
The 2025 AFCON, the 35th edition of Africa's premier national team competition, was hosted by Morocco—their second time organizing the event after 1988. The tournament ran from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, unusually scheduled over the Christmas and New Year period to accommodate the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025. It featured 24 teams across six groups, with the top two from each group advancing alongside the four best third-placed sides to the knockout stages. Matches took place in nine venues across six Moroccan cities, drawing strong crowds and showcasing the continent's growing football infrastructure.
In the final on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Senegal claimed their second continental title, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The match was marred by chaotic scenes late in regulation time when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. After returning following a delay, Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed a Panenka attempt, saved by Senegal's Edouard Mendy. In the 94th minute of extra time, Pape Gueye scored a powerful strike into the top corner to secure the win for the Teranga Lions. The victory marked Senegal's second AFCON triumph (following 2021), while denying Morocco a first title since 1976 despite their strong home support and recent global success.
The 2025 edition saw a significant increase in financial rewards, reflecting the Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s commitment to enhancing the value of the competition. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced a record $10 million (approximately N14.23 billion) for the champions—a 43% increase from the $7 million awarded to Ivory Coast in 2023. This marked a doubling of the top prize since 2021 (when winners received $5 million) and part of a broader strategy to grow African football through better incentives.
The full prize money distribution was as follows:
- Winners (Senegal): $10 million
- Runners-up (Morocco): $4 million
- Third place (Nigeria): $2.5 million
- Fourth place (Egypt): $1.3 million
- Quarter-finalists: $800,000 each
- Third in group stage: $700,000 each
- Fourth in group stage: $500,000 each
In total, CAF distributed over $32 million in prize money across the tournament, a substantial boost aimed at supporting national federations, player development, and infrastructure. Motsepe emphasized this progression in remarks before the tournament, stating that prize money had risen from less than $5 million pre-2023 to $7 million, and now to $10 million for the winners. He reiterated CAF's ongoing efforts to increase rewards for Africa's flagship competition, noting, “We will continue to increase the prize money for the most important competition in Africa.”
Nigeria's $2.5 million payout as semi-finalists (with the third-place match not adding extra funds) underscores the financial benefits of deep runs, providing resources for the Nigeria Football Federation to invest in youth programs, facilities, and future campaigns. The Super Eagles' consistent podium finishes—now nine third places—reinforce their status as one of Africa's most reliable performers, even if a fourth title remains elusive since 2013.
The tournament also featured standout individual performances. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye's extra-time winner in the final added to his contributions, while Morocco's Brahim Diaz led the scoring charts with five goals. Overall, the event produced 121 goals across 52 matches (an average of 2.33 per game) and attracted over 1.3 million spectators, highlighting AFCON's growing appeal.
As African football continues its upward trajectory, the 2025 edition in Morocco will be remembered for its competitive intensity, record financial rewards, and dramatic moments—both on and off the pitch. For Nigeria, the bronze medal and substantial prize money offer a solid foundation for the future, including preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the next AFCON cycle. The Super Eagles' ability to bounce back from semi-final disappointment and deliver in the crucial penalty shootout against Egypt exemplifies the resilience that has defined their storied history in continental competition.
