Nigeria maintained their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-offs, defeating Egypt on penalties to secure the bronze medal at Morocco 2025.
After a cagey goalless draw at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali proved the hero once again, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to ensure the Super Eagles finished on the podium for a record ninth time.
Ademola Lookman, introduced as a half-time substitute, clinically struck the decisive penalty to spark celebrations among the Nigerian contingent, just days after their heartbreaking semi-final exit to hosts Morocco.
Game of fine margins
In a match that often lacked the high-octane intensity of the earlier knockout rounds, both sides struggled to find a clinical edge.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock in the 36th minute when Akor Adams headed home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review, with the referee adjudging that Paul Onuachu had fouled Hamdy Fathy in the build-up.
Egypt, missing the usual creative spark of a weary-looking Mohamed Salah, rarely threatened the Nigerian goal during regulation time. Their best opening fell to Marmoush late in the second half, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Nwabali.
The Super Eagles take bronze. 🇳🇬
Watch the full penalty shootout between Egypt and Nigeria in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 third-place decider. pic.twitter.com/u1qyUlw2W7
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2026
Nwabali stands tall
With no extra time played in the third-place fixture, the game went straight to a shootout. It started poorly for Nigeria as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved by Oufa Shobeir.
But Nwabali, who has enjoyed a standout tournament, immediately restored parity by diving low to deny Salah. He then produced another acrobatic save to thwart Marmoush, handing Nigeria a lead they would not relinquish.
Successive penalties from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi kept the pressure on the Pharaohs, before Lookman stepped up to seal the 4-2 victory.
Stanley Nwabali Appreciation Tweet pic.twitter.com/VRmYvhVVMX
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 17, 2026
Key match stats
| Statistic | Nigeria | Egypt |
| Shots (on target) | 9 (3) | 6 (1) |
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
