Nigeria ended their penalty-time struggles by defeating Egypt in a shootout to secure third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a goalless draw.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made crucial saves from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, allowing Ademola Lookman to convert the decisive penalty despite attempted mind games from Pharaohs keeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The West Africans had previously lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals and saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup dashed by DR Congo in a shootout in November.
The victory was arguably deserved, as Eric Chelle’s side showed more attacking intent during the 90 minutes in Casablanca and twice saw the ball in the Egypt net.
Nigeria had a goal ruled out nine minutes before half-time when referee Jalal Jayed, after a VAR review, deemed Paul Onuachu had fouled in the build-up. Lookman, introduced at the break, then had a close-range header disallowed for offside against Akor Adams early in the second half.
The result extends Nigeria’s perfect record in Afcon third-place play-offs, marking their eighth win in such matches and adding to the bronze medal they earned in 1976, when a group stage determined the standings.
With Nigeria talisman Victor Osimhen unused on the bench, the outcome enhances Morocco playmaker Brahim Diaz’s chances of claiming the tournament’s golden boot. Diaz leads with five goals—two ahead of Atlas Lions teammate Ayoub El Kaabi and three more than Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Pape Gueye.
Senegal will face hosts Morocco in the final in Rabat on Sunday (19:00 GMT), with the winners set to secure their second continental title and a $10 million (£7.475m) prize.
