Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a morale-boosting bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place play-off that finished goalless after regulation time and extra time.
Played at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, 17 January 2026, the encounter was a cagey, hard-fought affair, with both African heavyweights cancelling each other out in a match defined by tactical discipline, defensive resilience and missed chances.
With neither side able to break the deadlock over 120 minutes, the contest was settled from the penalty spot, where Nigeria showed greater composure to seal third place and end their AFCON campaign on a positive note after narrowly missing out on the final.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the undisputed hero of the night, producing two decisive saves during the shootout. The Super Eagles’ shot-stopper denied Egypt’s talisman Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush, tilting the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour and sparking celebrations among the Nigerian contingent in Morocco.
Nwabali’s match-winning display earned him the Man of the Match award, which he dedicated to Super Eagles supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament.
The bronze-medal finish provides consolation for Nigeria after a challenging AFCON campaign and reinforces their credentials as one of the continent’s most resilient sides.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s final, where defending champions Senegal will face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat to determine the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.