Super Eagles defeat Egypt on penalties to claim 3rd place at 2025 AFCON

By James Ike

Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a high note after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties to secure third place at the tournament in Morocco.

The third-place playoff, played at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, ended goalless after 90 minutes of intense and closely contested football.

Both teams cancelled each other out during regulation time, with tactical discipline and solid defensive organisation dominating proceedings.

Despite several half-chances created at both ends, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero for Nigeria, producing a superb performance in the shoot-out by saving two Egyptian spot kicks.

His composure and reflexes proved decisive as the Super Eagles converted four of their penalties to clinch the win.

Nigeria’s penalty sequence began on a shaky note when Bashiru, who stepped up to take the first kick, saw his effort saved.

However, the momentum quickly swung in Nigeria’s favour when Egypt’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, missed the Pharaohs’ opening penalty, which was brilliantly kept out by Nwabali.

The Nigerian goalkeeper went on to save another Egyptian attempt, effectively sealing Egypt’s fate.

During open play, Nigeria came closest to scoring when Paul Onuachu found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a review.

Egypt also threatened at intervals, with Salah lively and influential, but finishing proved elusive for both sides.

The encounter offered both nations a chance to salvage pride after painful semi-final exits. Nigeria had been eliminated by tournament hosts Morocco on penalties after a tightly fought semi-final, while Egypt narrowly lost to Senegal in their last-four clash.

This time, the Super Eagles showed greater composure from the spot, turning the tables after their earlier heartbreak.

The victory provided consolation and a positive ending to Nigeria’s AFCON journey, highlighting their resilience and mental strength.

By securing third place, Nigeria finished the tournament with pride, while Egypt were forced to settle for fourth place.

The win also marked the ninth time Nigeria have claimed third place at the Africa Cup of Nations, further underlining their strong history in the competition.

The result capped a hard-fought AFCON campaign for the Super Eagles, who will now look ahead with renewed confidence as they build towards future continental and global challenges.