Nigeria broke their recent penalty curse by defeating Egypt in a tense shootout to secure third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, following a goalless draw in regulation time.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the night, producing decisive saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
His brilliance paved the way for Ademola Lookman, who calmly converted the winning kick despite psychological tactics from Pharaohs’ keeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The victory was particularly sweet for Nigeria, who had suffered heartbreak from the spot twice in recent months — first against Morocco in the semi-finals earlier in the week, and previously in November when a shootout defeat to DR Congo dashed their hopes of qualifying for the fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 FIFA World Cup.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side showed greater attacking intent throughout the 90 minutes, twice finding the net only to see both goals disallowed.
The first came nine minutes before half-time when referee Jalal Jayed, after a VAR review, ruled that Paul Onuachu had committed a foul in the build-up.
The second, early in the second half, saw Lookman’s header chalked off for offside against Akor Adams.
Despite these setbacks, Nigeria maintained pressure and extended their perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs, now boasting eight victories.
Their bronze medal adds to a proud tradition dating back to 1976, when the tournament’s group stage format determined their first third-place finish.
Match Highlights and Wider Context
Egypt, making six changes from their semi-final defeat, relied heavily on Salah, who tested Nwabali early with a flicked effort and a follow-up shot from a tight angle.
Nigeria responded with chances of their own, including a header from Adams that deflected off Onuachu and into the net, only to be controversially ruled out.
The Pharaohs’ defence held firm, but Nigeria continued to probe. With ten minutes left, Adams was shoved by Hamdy Fathy inside the box, but the referee judged the contact to have occurred just outside, denying Nigeria a penalty.
Salah’s late free-kick was blocked by the Nigerian wall, sending the contest to penalties before a lively crowd largely backing the Super Eagles.
In the shootout, Shobeir saved Nigeria’s opening attempt from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but Nwabali’s heroics turned the tide.
He denied Salah with a strong right hand and stopped Marmoush’s central strike with his trailing leg. The rest of Nigeria’s takers were flawless, with Lookman sealing the win and ensuring the Super Eagles left Morocco with silverware.
Startling Stanley Nwabali gets the Man of the Match award.
The result also means Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen remained an unused substitute, while Morocco’s Brahim Diaz remains on course for the golden boot with five goals, ahead of teammates and Senegalese rivals.
Senegal will face hosts Morocco in Sunday’s final in Rabat, with $10 million in prize money and continental glory at stake.
