Nigeria’s Super Eagles rounded off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a positive note after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff on Saturday. The highly competitive encounter ended 0–0 after regulation time, before Nigeria held their nerve in the shootout to secure the bronze medal, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The match itself was evenly balanced, with both sides showing intensity and purpose as they sought consolation after semi-final heartbreaks. Nigeria scored twice during regulation time, but both were shrugged off by the VAR, one for a foul committed by Paul Onuachu before the goal scored by Akor Adams and the other scored by Ademola Lookman was adjudged offside (Adams), forcing the contest into a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
In the shootout, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi all converted their spot-kicks with confidence, setting the stage for Ademola Lookman to deliver the decisive penalty that sealed victory for the Super Eagles. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the night, producing two crucial saves to deny Egypt and swing the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
The win marked a significant moment of redemption for Nigeria, which had endured painful penalty shootout defeats earlier in the week, losing 4-2 on penalties to Morocco in the semifinals. It also highlighted the team’s mental strength and resilience, bouncing back strongly to finish the competition on a high.
By securing third place, the Super Eagles ended AFCON 2025 with a sense of pride and renewed belief, offering encouragement ahead of future international assignments and reinforcing the progress made during the tournament.
Oluwayemi Omolagba