AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt to clinch Bronze in Casablanca (Photo)

Nigeria claimed the bronze medal at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.

The match went straight to a penalty shootout after 90 tightly contested minutes, with Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the decisive hero.

After suffering semi-final heartbreak against hosts Morocco earlier in the tournament, Eric Chelle’s Nigeria side showed resilience and mental strength to finish their campaign on a positive note.

The encounter itself was cagey, with both teams cancelling each other out and creating few clear-cut opportunities during regulation time.

Egypt threatened first when Mohamed Salah released Mahmoud Trezeguet with a well-timed through ball, but Nwabali reacted quickly to smother the chance.

Salah then tested the Nigerian keeper twice in quick succession at the near post, only to be denied by Nwabali and a deflection off defender Semi Ajayi.

Nigeria also had moments of promise, particularly through Akor Adams, who thought he had opened the scoring shortly before halftime.

However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out due to a foul by Paul Onuachu in the build-up.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Substitute Ademola Lookman had the ball in the net just seconds after the restart, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Nigeria continued to apply pressure through long-range efforts from Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon, yet Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir dealt comfortably with the attempts.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match was decided by penalties.

The shootout began poorly for Nigeria when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s effort was saved, but Nwabali quickly turned the tide.

The Rivers United goalkeeper produced two outstanding saves to deny Egypt’s biggest stars — captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush — swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.

Confident finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman then sealed a 4–2 victory for the Super Eagles.

Nwabali’s heroics ensured Nigeria secured a deserved place on the podium and departed Morocco with renewed belief and confidence.

For Egypt, the defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise competitive campaign, as they were left to reflect after falling just short in a closely fought contest.

Photos