Nigeria’s Super Eagles Defeat Egypt On Penalties To Win 9th AFCON Bronze

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali played a key role in the victory, making two important saves during the penalty shootout.

One of his stops denied Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, and helped tilt the contest in Nigeria’s favour.

Ademola Lookman stepped up to take the final penalty and calmly converted it, sealing Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history.

The match itself was closely contested, with both teams putting in a strong physical effort but creating few clear scoring opportunities.

Nigeria briefly thought they had gone ahead shortly before halftime when Paul Onuachu finished off a move involving Akor Adams. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR check.

Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in the second half, and the match ended goalless, forcing the game straight into a penalty shootout.

Although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening first kick, Nwabali quickly made amends by saving Egypt’s first two penalties, swinging the momentum Nigeria’s way.

Nigeria’s remaining penalty takers kept their composure, allowing Lookman to confirm the win and maintain the Super Eagles’ unbeaten record in AFCON third-place matches.

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