Egypt Stunned as Nigeria Clinch Afcon Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Shootout
Ninety minutes of tension, frustration and near misses ended without a goal, but the real drama arrived when Egypt and Nigeria stepped up for penalties and this time, it was Nigeria who held their nerve.
Under the lights in Casablanca, the Afcon 2025 third-place playoff delivered a fierce contest between two African heavyweights. Egypt and Nigeria cancelled each other out in open play, finishing goalless after full time, but the shootout told a very different story. Nigeria won 4–2 on penalties, claiming the bronze medal and closing their tournament with resilience and redemption.
This match mattered far more than a third-place label. For Nigeria, penalties had been a painful weakness in recent months. They had already suffered heartbreak from the spot in the semi-finals and doubts were growing about whether this team could handle pressure moments. Tonight, those doubts were answered.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the defining figure. Calm, focused and fearless, he denied Egypt’s biggest stars when it mattered most. Mohamed Salah stepped up first, carrying the hopes of a nation, but Nwabali guessed right and made the save. Moments later, Omar Marmoush was also stopped and suddenly the balance shifted completely.
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Nigeria, by contrast, stayed composed. Despite an early miss, their remaining takers were clinical. Ademola Lookman sealed the win with a confident finish, ignoring attempted distractions and silencing the Egyptian end of the stadium.
The match itself was tight and physical. Nigeria showed more attacking intent, had goals ruled out and forced Egypt into deep defending for long spells. Egypt relied on structure and experience, but struggled to create clear chances. Salah had flashes of danger, yet once again, a major international trophy slipped from his grasp.
For Nigeria, this bronze medal carries history. They remain perfect in Afcon third-place matches, extending a remarkable record that underlines their consistency at this level. It also offers something tangible to take home from a tournament that promised more, but delivered its share of disappointment.
For Egypt, the result deepens the sense of unfinished business. Another Afcon ends without silverware and questions will be asked about how a team with such pedigree continues to fall short in decisive moments.
As the tournament now builds toward its final, this match serves as a reminder that African football is defined by margins, mentality and moments. Nigeria mastered all three when it mattered most.
Stay with us for continuing coverage, analysis and updates as Afcon 2025 reaches its decisive conclusion.
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