CASABLANCA, Morocco — On Saturday, Nigeria triumphed over Egypt in a penalty shootout, winning 4-2 after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time. This victory secured Nigeria third place in the Africa Cup of Nations, with substitute Ademola Lookman scoring the decisive penalty.
Egypt struggled at the spot, with both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missing their early attempts. Meanwhile, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi successfully converted theirs for the Super Eagles before Lookman’s winning shot brought home the bronze medal.
This marks Nigeria’s ninth bronze finish at the Nations Cup, further extending their record. They successfully put behind them their previous shootout disappointment against Morocco to conclude their AFCON campaign positively.
A potential goal for Nigeria was disallowed in the 36th minute when Adams’ header, following a parry from Mostafa Shobeir, was ruled out after a VAR review indicated contact between Adams and Hamdy Fathy. However, replays showed that Adams appeared unaware of any such contact.
Both teams displayed a more vigorous attacking style than in their semifinal exits. Early on, Stanley Nwabali was quick to respond, collecting the ball as Trézéguet aimed for Salah, with Egypt showing more offensive momentum than they had in their disappointing loss against Senegal.
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Nigeria’s defense seemed pressured, especially missing suspended player Calvin Bassey. Still, as the game progressed, Nigeria began to assert themselves while Egypt resorted to counterattacks.
Lookman, who entered the match at halftime for Onuachu, had a goal disallowed shortly after the break for offside, while Shobeir managed to thwart efforts from Raphael Onyedika and Simon.
As the match neared its conclusion, both teams had penalty claims turned down, with Adams brought down in Egypt’s box and another contentious incident at the other end involving Semi Ajayi and Marmoush.
As the game headed into penalties, Fisayo Dele Bashiru’s initial shot was saved by Shobeir, putting Nigeria under pressure. However, Adams maintained composure, and with crucial saves by Nwabali against Salah and Marmoush, Nigeria gained the upper hand.
Simon, Ramia, Iwobi, and Mahmoud Saber all converted their penalties before Lookman stepped up to secure victory, with Shobeir unable to keep the former African Footballer of the Year from scoring and extending the shootout.