Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion, defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a cagey goalless draw in the third-place playoff.
The victory extends Nigeria’s flawless record in AFCON bronze medal matches and earns the team a historic ninth third-place finish.
The match itself was a tactical battle with few clear chances. After a subdued first half, Egypt controlled spells of possession but found a well-organized and compact Nigerian defense difficult to break down.
Seeking a breakthrough, Coach Éric Chelle turned to his bench, introducing Alex Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem, and Chidera Ejuke in the second half, but neither side could find a decisive goal in regular time.
The contest was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero.
Nwabali made two crucial saves to swing the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favor. Simon Moses, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams all kept their composure to convert their penalties, putting the Eagles in control throughout the shootout.
The final, decisive moment fell to Ademola Lookman, who stepped up and calmly slotted home the winning kick.
His conversion sparked immediate celebrations among the Nigerian squad and their supporters, capping a tense conclusion to the tournament and ensuring the Super Eagles departed with a hard-earned medal.
