Nigeria maintained their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff matches, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, to secure third place at AFCON 2025.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Third-Place Playoff
Egypt 0–0 Nigeria
(Nigeria win 4–2 on penalties)
As is often the case in third-place playoffs, both sides struggled for intensity and attacking sharpness in a subdued opening half. Chances were few and far between, with neither team able to impose themselves offensively during a low-key first 30 minutes.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock nine minutes before the interval. Samuel Chukwueze’s header was well saved by Oufa Shobeir, but the winger reacted quickly to chip the rebound into the box for Akor Adams, who nodded home from close range. However, following a VAR review, the referee ruled that Paul Onuachu had fouled Hamdy Fathy in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed, ensuring the contest remained goalless at the break.
In search of greater attacking impetus, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made a change at half-time, introducing Ademola Lookman for Onuachu. The substitution appeared inspired as Lookman found the net with his first touch early in the second half, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside.
Egypt, still reeling from their semi-final defeat to Senegal, looked short of confidence and failed to display their customary flair. The second half largely mirrored the first, with both teams lacking quality in the final third. Nigeria registered the only two shots on target across the entire second period, but neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the match to penalties.
The shoot-out began dramatically, with both Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Mohamed Salah seeing their opening kicks saved. Akor Adams then put Nigeria ahead, before Stanley Nwabali denied Omar Marmoush, allowing Moses Simon to double the advantage. Ramy Rabia briefly revived Egypt’s hopes, but Alex Iwobi calmly converted to leave Nigeria on the brink of victory.
Although Mahmoud Saber kept the contest alive with a successful penalty, Lookman stepped up to convert Nigeria’s final kick, sealing a 4–2 shoot-out win and sparking celebrations among the Nigerian supporters.
The result ensured the Super Eagles ended their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note, finishing third and taking home bronze medals from Casablanca.
