Nigeria Clinch AFCON 2025 Third Place After Penalty Shootout Win Over Egypt
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 17 — 01
Nigeria ended their long standing penalty shootout struggles by defeating Egypt to secure third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a goalless draw after regulation time.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero in the shootout, producing outstanding saves to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. His interventions paved the way for Ademola Lookman to calmly convert the decisive penalty, sealing victory despite psychological tactics from Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The result was a measure of redemption for Nigeria, who had previously suffered shootout heartbreaks, including a semi-final defeat to Morocco earlier in the tournament and a World Cup qualifying exit at the hands of DR Congo in November.
Eric Chelle’s side were the more enterprising team over the 90 minutes in Casablanca and twice thought they had broken the deadlock. Adams Akor had a first half goal overturned following a VAR review for a foul in the build up, while Lookman saw a close range header ruled out early in the second half due to an offside call against Akor Adams.
Nigeria’s victory extends their flawless record in AFCON third place play-offs, marking their ninth success.
Despite talisman Victor Osimhen remaining an unused substitute, the outcome keeps Nigeria’s tournament campaign on a positive note.
Attention now turns to the Golden Boot race, where Morocco’s Brahim Diaz leads with five goals, ahead of teammates Ayoub El Kaabi, Senegal’s Sadio Mané, and Pape Gueye.
Meanwhile, Senegal are set to face host nation Morocco in Sunday’s final in Rabat, with the winners poised to lift the AFCON trophy.
