AFCON 2025: Nigeria Edge Egypt on Penalties to Claim Bronze

Nigeria claimed third place at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt 4 to 2 on penalties in Casablanca on Saturday, following a tense goalless draw at the Stade Mohamed V.

The victory preserves the Super Eagles’ impeccable record in AFCON third place playoffs, extending their haul to nine bronze medals, the highest in tournament history. Notably, Nigeria’s first bronze also came at Egypt’s expense, a 3 to 2 triumph in Addis Ababa half a century ago. Egypt remain on six third place finishes.

Both sides fielded weakened lineups after painful semifinal exits. Egypt were without suspended midfielders Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen, while Nigeria missed centre back Calvin Bassey. Coach Eric Chelle opted to rest captain Wilfred Ndidi and star forward Victor Osimhen, with Alex Iwobi starting from the bench.

Despite the absences, Nigeria asked more questions of the Egyptians. Simon Moses led the frontline impressively, keeping the North Africans constantly on the back foot. The Egyptians threatened early, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali reacted sharply to Mahmoud Hassan’s second minute delivery. Mohamed Salah came closest for Egypt in the twenty seventh minute, flashing an effort wide.

Nigeria carved out the clearer chances. Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams combined well in attack, with the latter heading home in the thirty sixth minute, only for VAR to rule him marginally offside. Two minutes after the restart, Ademola Lookman found the net, but once again the flag cut short Nigerian celebrations.

Egypt struggled to impose themselves after the interval. Long range efforts from Raphael Onyedika and Moses tested goalkeeper Gabaski, while Nigeria’s defence, anchored by Bright Osayi Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu and Bruno Onyemaechi, stood firm against sporadic Egyptian attacks.

With neither side able to break the deadlock after ninety minutes, the tie went to penalties. Nwabali emerged the hero once more, saving Egypt’s opening two kicks from Salah and Omar Marmoush. Fisayo Dele Bashiru missed for Nigeria, but Akor Adams, Moses, Iwobi and Lookman dispatched their efforts cleanly, sealing a four to two win.

Nwabali’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, a fitting reward for a commanding display that delivered Nigeria yet another AFCON bronze.