Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a tense goalless encounter.
The bronze medal match, played without extra time, ended 0–0 after regulation time, forcing both sides to settle the contest from the penalty spot. It was a familiar scenario for Nigeria, who had suffered a semi-final exit earlier in the tournament after losing on penalties to host nation Morocco.
This time, however, the Super Eagles showed greater composure. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero of the night, producing crucial saves to deny Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the shootout.
Nigeria converted four of their spot-kicks to Egypt’s two, sealing a hard-fought victory and securing a record ninth third-place finish in AFCON history.
The result brought a positive end to Nigeria’s campaign after the disappointment of missing out on the final. Attention now turns to the tournament’s showpiece match, as Morocco and Senegal are set to battle for the title in Sunday’s final.
