CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt 0 – 0 Nigeria (After Extra Time: 2 – 4 on Penalties)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, three-time champions, have secured third place at Afcon nine times overall [Getty Images]
Nigeria broke their penalty curse by defeating Egypt in a shootout to clinch third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a goalless draw.
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Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was pivotal, saving penalties from both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, allowing Ademola Lookman to seal the win despite distractions from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The Super Eagles had previously lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals earlier in the week and had their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup extinguished by DR Congo in another shootout last November.
This outcome reflected Nigeria’s attacking dominance throughout the match, particularly as they had two goals disallowed during regular time.
Nigeria’s first goal was ruled out just before halftime after a VAR review concluded that Paul Onuachu had committed a foul in the build-up.
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In the second half, Lookman, who came on as a substitute, saw a close-range header disallowed for offside against Akor Adams shortly after the break.
This victory solidifies Nigeria’s strong track record in third-place matches at Afcon, marking their eighth win in this scenario, in addition to their earlier bronze medal from the 1976 tournament.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star player, remained an unused substitute, which may enhance Brahim Diaz’s chances of clinching the golden boot on home turf.
Diaz is currently leading with five goals, two ahead of teammate Ayoub El Kaabi and three ahead of Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Pape Gueye.
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On Sunday, Senegal will take on the hosts in the final in Rabat (19:00 GMT), with the winners set to claim their second continental title and a prize of $10 million (£7.475 million).
Nwabali Leads Super Eagles to Bronze
Mohamed Salah took the first penalty for Egypt but was thwarted by Stanley Nwabali [Getty Images]
Both teams made significant changes following their semi-final defeats, with Egypt making six and Nigeria five. The first notable action came when Nwabali denied a flicked effort from Salah, who then had a follow-up from a tight angle deflected out for a corner.
Nigeria believed they had taken the lead shortly after Shobeir’s superb save from Samuel Chukwueze, with Adams rising to head in from Chukwueze’s cross, but the effort was disallowed.
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Referee Jalal Jayed reviewed the play via VAR, ruled out the goal, and handed Onuachu a yellow card for an elbow on Hamdy Fathy, despite indications that the Egypt defender had collided with Onuachu’s arm.
Nigeria found it challenging to penetrate a solid Egyptian defense, and with ten minutes remaining, Fathy avoided penalty contention after shoving Adams in the back when he attempted to kick the ball.
Salah’s late free-kick effort from a promising position hit the Nigerian wall, leading the match toward penalties in front of a lively crowd mostly supporting the Super Eagles.
Chukwueze, who had his penalties saved in the semi-final against Yassine Bounou, was replaced during stoppage time, thus missing his chance to redeem himself.
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Shobeir saved Nigeria’s first penalty taken by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. However, Nwabali showcased excellent reflexes to deny Salah’s attempt and also blocked Marmoush’s shot directly down the middle.
This added to Salah’s disappointment, who saw his quest for a maiden Afcon title cut short by Senegal, who scored the winning goal.
The remaining penalties taken by the Super Eagles were flawless, with Lookman scoring the decisive spot-kick, ensuring Chelle’s team returns home with a reward for their efforts in Morocco.