Casablanca, Morocco – January 17, 2026 — The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured third place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 4-2 penalty shootout win over Egypt in the third-place playoff at the iconic Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. The match, which ended goalless after 90 minutes of tense, tactical football, highlighted Nigeria's resilience and composure under pressure, extending their perfect record in AFCON third-place matches to nine victories.
This result marks Nigeria's ninth bronze medal in the competition's history, solidifying their status as the undisputed "kings of third place." No other nation has finished third as many times, with the Super Eagles achieving this feat in editions spanning decades. The achievement provides a measure of consolation after a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on penalties just three days earlier, where Nigeria failed to convert key spot-kicks despite dominating large portions of the game.
The third-place playoff was a classic defensive battle between two of Africa's football powerhouses. Nigeria, coached by Eric Chelle, made five changes from their semi-final lineup, resting key players like Victor Osimhen (who remained on the bench, likely managing a minor injury from the previous match) and Ademola Lookman (who entered at halftime). Egypt, under Hossam Hassan, rotated six players following their 1-0 semi-final loss to Senegal, with Mohamed Salah starting but unable to inspire a breakthrough.
The game kicked off under a cold, cloudy evening sky in front of a near-capacity crowd of 45,000, many of whom—Moroccan fans—vocally supported Nigeria due to longstanding rivalries with Egypt at both club and national levels. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and cheered the Super Eagles' efforts.
Nigeria began brightly, creating the first notable chance in the 13th minute when Akor Adams' shot was deflected behind for a corner. The Eagles pressed higher in the second half, showing more attacking intent. In the 36th minute, Paul Onuachu appeared to head Nigeria ahead, but the goal was disallowed by VAR after referee Jalal Jayed ruled a foul in the build-up. Early in the second period, substitute Lookman had a close-range header ruled out for offside against Adams.
Egypt defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir making key interventions. The Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, struggled to create clear opportunities against Nigeria's organized backline, featuring Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, and others. Chances remained scarce, with the best late opportunity falling to Lookman in the 75th minute—his powerful strike parried away by Shobeir. The match ended 0-0 after regulation time, with no extra time played for the consolation fixture.
The contest then moved to penalties, where nerves and skill decided the outcome. Nigeria won the toss and elected to shoot first. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's opening kick was saved by Shobeir, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali immediately shifted momentum by denying Mohamed Salah's well-struck effort with a strong right hand. Nwabali then thwarted Omar Marmoush's shot straight down the middle with a trailing leg save, marking another heroic display from the Chippa United shot-stopper, who had already earned plaudits for his performances throughout the tournament.
Akor Adams converted Nigeria's second, followed by calm finishes from captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi. Egypt responded with successful kicks from Ramy Rabia and substitute Mahmoud Saber, but Nwabali's double save proved decisive. Ademola Lookman, who had entered at halftime and threatened throughout the second period, stepped up for the fifth kick. Despite mind games from Shobeir, Lookman coolly slotted home to seal the 4-2 victory and the bronze medal.
Nwabali was named Player of the Match for his crucial interventions, including the saves from two of Egypt's biggest stars, Salah and Marmoush. His performance capped a strong tournament for the former Katsina United and Lobi Stars goalkeeper, who overcame an early injury scare to cement his status as Nigeria's No. 1.
The win offers redemption for the Super Eagles after recent penalty disappointments, including a shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in World Cup qualifiers and the semi-final defeat to Morocco. Nigeria topped Group C with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, then advanced past Mozambique and Algeria in the knockouts before their semi-final exit.
Egypt, seeking a record-extending eighth title, exit the tournament without a podium finish in this edition despite strong showings in earlier rounds. They progressed from Group B, eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast, but fell short in the semi-finals and now the playoff.
As the continent turns its attention to Sunday's final between hosts Morocco and Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria's players and fans can take pride in departing with silverware. The bronze medal reinforces the Super Eagles' legacy of never returning empty-handed when reaching the last four—having medaled in most such appearances across their 20+ AFCON participations.
Coach Eric Chelle praised his team's character, noting the importance of bouncing back from adversity. With stars like Lookman, Nwabali, and others in form, Nigeria's campaign underscores their status as perennial contenders, even if the ultimate prize remains elusive.
The 2025 AFCON, hosted by Morocco across nine venues in six cities from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, has delivered drama, upsets, and memorable moments. Nigeria's bronze adds another chapter to their storied history in Africa's premier football tournament.
