By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
The Super Eagles of Nigeria clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations after edging Egypt 4–3 on penalties.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, once again emerged as the hero in a penalty shootout, producing two crucial saves—including spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with the decisive final kick, sparking celebrations among the Nigerian faithful.
With pride, consolation, and history on the line, Nigeria held their composure and handed Egypt a third defeat at this stage of the competition. The Super Eagles also maintained their flawless record in third-place matches, having now won all eight appearances, further underlining their status as one of Africa’s most decorated football nations—despite narrowly missing out on the ultimate prize.
How the Match Unfolded
Nigeria nearly took the lead in the 35th minute when Samuel Chukwueze’s well-weighted cross found Adams Akor, whose header beat goalkeeper Ahmed Abdelaziz. However, the goal was overturned following an on-field VAR review, which ruled that Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu committed a foul in the build-up.
The Super Eagles, who entered the match with the tournament’s best scoring record, dominated much of the first half but were unable to convert their chances. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, also struggled to break through, and both sides went into halftime locked in a goalless draw.
Coach Eric Chelle made his first substitution at the start of the second half, introducing 2024 African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman in place of the already-booked Paul Onuachu.
The substitution paid immediate dividends as Lookman produced a moment of brilliance, outfoxing the Egyptian goalkeeper before finishing clinically—only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Shortly after, long-range efforts from Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel were comfortably handled by Abdelaziz, who produced a series of fine saves to keep Egypt in the contest.
Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan responded with a double substitution, bringing on the dangerous Omar Marmoush for an underwhelming Trezeguet in search of a breakthrough. Marmoush later found himself one-on-one with Nwabali, but the Nigerian shot-stopper stood firm to deny him.
Egypt earned their first and only free kick of the match in the 86th minute after Igoh Ogbu brought down Marmoush just outside the box, preventing a clear scoring opportunity.
Nigeria introduced Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke, and Chidozie Awaziem late in the game, but despite their efforts, neither side could find the winning goal before the final whistle.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The match was ultimately decided from the spot. Bashirou took Nigeria’s opening kick, which was saved by Abdelaziz, giving Egypt an early advantage. However, Nwabali quickly turned the tide, saving Egypt’s first two penalties in sensational fashion.
Only Trezeguet and Mahmoud Hassan managed to convert for Egypt. For Nigeria, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman all scored confidently, with Lookman’s strike sealing a dramatic 4–3 shootout victory.
Nigeria’s triumph ended Egypt’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion and secured the Super Eagles’ eighth AFCON bronze medal, a fitting reward for their resilience and defensive discipline throughout the tournament.
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