Nigeria’s Super Eagles overcame their long-standing penalty shoot-out struggles to defeat Egypt and secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The third-place playoff ended goalless after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time. With no extra time played, the match was decided from the penalty spot, just days after Nigeria had suffered a semi-final shoot-out defeat to hosts Morocco.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero for Nigeria, producing two crucial saves during the shoot-out. He denied efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, swinging momentum firmly in favour of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria converted four of their penalties, while Egypt managed only two, sealing a 4–2 victory in the shoot-out. The win earned Nigeria their ninth third-place finish in Africa Cup of Nations history, further cementing their reputation as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
Attention now shifts to the AFCON final, where Morocco will face Senegal in a highly anticipated showdown to determine the champions of the 2025 tournament.
