A night of nerves in Casablanca — Nigeria outlast Egypt in AFCON bronze showdown | OneFootball

Nigeria stand tall as Egypt falter from the spot

A night of nerves in Casablanca — Nigeria outlast Egypt in AFCON bronze showdown

Nigeria secured third place at AFCON 2025 after defeating Egypt 4 - 2 on penalties following 0 - 0 draw in third-place play-off at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday 17 January.

With both sides arriving after semi-final heartbreak, the match unfolded as measured contest built on structure rather than risk.

Egypt beaten by Senegal in the last four and Nigeria edged out by hosts Morocco approached the evening with pride and control in mind.

Nigeria came closest before the interval when headed effort found the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule it out.

The Pharaohs had moments of their own on the break forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into alert saves whenever space opened in transition.

After the restart, the Super Eagles tried to inject tempo. Ademola Lookman provided Nigeria’s sharpest threat even seeing another effort chalked off as the game stretched.

Egypt responded with changes around the hour, tightening their shape and slowing the rhythm, content to manage territory and pick selective moments to counter.

Neither side found breakthrough across 90 minute sending the contest straight to penalties.

From the spot, Nigeria held their nerve. Egypt’s hopes faded as Mohamed Salah & Omar Marmoush missed despite Mostafa Shobeir producing one save. The Super Eagles converted four of their attempts to seal 4 - 2 shootout victory and the bronze medal.