AFCON 2025: Super Eagles secure bronze after dramatic shootout

The Super Eagles ended their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) campaign on a high note, edging Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at Stade Mohammed V.

Despite the occasion, the first half was cagey, with both sides struggling to impose themselves on the game. A patient crowd in Casablanca was treated to very little attacking flair as the teams searched for rhythm and motivation in the third-place play-off.

Nigeria looked set to break the deadlock late in the first half when Akor Adams appeared to finish a clever Samuel Chukwueze delivery, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review flagged a foul on Hamdy Fathy by Paul Onuachu.

The setback tested the Super Eagles’ composure, but coach Eric Chelle made a swift adjustment at half-time, bringing Ademola Lookman on for Onuachu. His introduction gave Nigeria renewed impetus, though an early second-half strike was ruled out for offside, keeping the stalemate intact.

Egypt struggled to recover from their semi-final defeat to Senegal, failing to find the fluency and threat that had carried them through six unbeaten games. The second half mirrored the first, with both sides rarely testing the goalkeepers, and only two shots on target were registered, both by Nigeria.

A morale boost as the Super Eagles close AFCON 2025

Ultimately, the outcome had to be decided from the spot, and the Super Eagles held their nerve.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Mohamed Salah missed early penalties, but strong saves from Stanley Nwabali and confident finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman sealed victory, sending the Nigerian contingent into celebration.

With this result, the Super Eagles have now finished on the AFCON podium for the 17th time, more than any other African nation. Three-time champions, five-time runners-up, and nine-time third-place finishes reflect the proud history of Nigerian football.

Their win over Egypt in the third-place play-off reinforces this record and offers a measure of consolation after missing out on the title. It also highlighted the squad depth and composure under Chelle, with substitutes making decisive contributions.