Nigeria 0–0 Egypt (Nigeria win 4–2 on penalties)
Nigeria edged Egypt on penalties after a tense 0–0 stalemate to claim third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in a cagey and tightly contested bronze medal match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday.
After a competitive first half in which neither team could break the deadlock, Nigeria thought they had taken the lead through Jerome Adams Akor, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for an elbow in the build-up. Substitute Ademola Lookman had the ball in the back of the net, but play was called back for an offside flag at the start of the second.
Egypt’s attacking intentions were led by the movement of Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Mohamed, but the Super Eagles’ defence remained resolute. Nigeria, underpinned by the experience of Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu in attack, probed patiently but were unable to find the breakthrough against a well-organized Egyptian backline.
As the clock ticked down and neither side could force the decisive goal, the drama shifted to the penalty spot.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his opening effort saved by Pharaohs goalkeepers Oufa Shobeir, but the Super Eagles converted all four of their next penalties via Simon, Lookman, Adams and Alex Iwobi, while Salah and Omar Marmoush saw their attempts saved by Stanley Nwabali, handing Nigeria a deserved bronze medal at the conclusion of their AFCON campaign.
Next up is the big one – Senegal vs Morocco, for the AFCON 2025 title at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday at 10 P.M. EAT.
