The Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties after the game ended goalless to claim a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Edges Egypt 4-2 in Penalty Shootout to Claim Bronze Medal – Super Eagles Shine in Third-Place Thriller!

In a nail-biting conclusion to their AFCON 2025 campaign, Nigeria's Super Eagles secured third place with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt following a goalless draw at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco. This win marks Nigeria's record-extending ninth bronze medal in the Africa Cup of Nations history, showcasing their resilience despite a challenging tournament.

A Tense Battle Ends in Spot-Kick Drama

The third-place playoff between the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs lived up to expectations as a defensive masterclass from both sides. With no goals after 90 minutes of regulation time, the match proceeded directly to penalties – a format often used in AFCON consolation games to avoid extra fatigue.

Nigeria, haunted by past shootout heartbreaks, flipped the script this time.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving crucial penalties from Egypt's star duo, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. On the other end, Nigeria's takers – Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and substitute Ademola Lookman – displayed ice-cool composure, converting all four kicks to seal the 4-2 win.

The Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, started brightly but couldn't capitalize on their chances. Egypt's misses in the shootout proved costly, ending their bid for a podium finish in a tournament where they had shown flashes of brilliance.

Key Moments from Nigeria vs Egypt AFCON 2025 Third-Place Match

- First Half Stalemate: Both teams probed but lacked the cutting edge. Nigeria's defense, led by William Troost-Ekong, neutralized threats from Salah and Trezeguet, while Egypt's backline frustrated all Eagles attempts.

- Second Half Intensity: Substitutions injected energy, with Lookman nearly breaking the deadlock for Nigeria in the 68th minute. Egypt responded with a close call from Marmoush, but Nwabali's sharp reflexes kept it level. Nigeria was also denied a goal following a VAR check.

For Egypt, Mohamed Salah's uncharacteristic miss will be a talking point, but the Liverpool star's overall tournament performance remains commendable. Coach Hossam Hassan's side can hold their heads high after a spirited run.

Nigeria's Dominance in Bronze-Medal Games

This victory extends Nigeria's unbeaten streak in AFCON third-place matches, now standing at nine wins from nine appearances. The Super Eagles have consistently turned semi-final disappointments into podium finishes, a testament to their squad depth and mental fortitude.

Egypt, meanwhile, adds another chapter to their rivalry with Nigeria – a fixture that's produced memorable clashes, including Nigeria's 1-0 group-stage win over Egypt in AFCON 2021.

Fan Reactions and What’s Next for AFCON 2025

Social media erupted with joy from Nigerian fans, praising the team's grit. "Super Eagles soar again! Bronze is ours! #AFCON2025 #NGAvsEGY," tweeted one supporter. Egyptian fans lamented the shootout lottery but applauded their team's effort.

Attention now shifts to the AFCON 2025 final on 18th January 2026, where hosts Morocco face off against surprise finalists. 

#AFCON2025 #NigeriaVsEgypt #SuperEagles #AFCONThirdPlace #PenaltyShootout #AfricaCupOfNations #FootballNigeria #EgyptFootball #BronzeMedalAFCON<grok:render card_id="92dfa0" card_type="image_card" type="render_searched_image">

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