Nigeria clinch bronze at AFCON 2025, beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties

The Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their penalty hoodoo by beating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout to claim third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a goalless draw on Saturday evening.

Nigeria could’ve taken the lead in the 14th minute after Bruno Onyemaechi set Akor Adams through on goal, but the Sevilla striker’s effort was saved by Mostafa Shobeir.

At the other end, Mohamed Salah forced Stanley Nwabali to a smart save at his near post.

The Super Eagles thought they had taken the lead after Adams’ header from Samuel Chukwueze’s cross went in off the back of Paul Onuachu’s head, but after VAR review, the goal was chalked out for a foul in the build-up.

Minutes later, Chukwueze saw his header to the bottom right corner saved by Shobeir.

Nigeria appealed for a penalty moments later, after Adams was shoved at his back, forcing the striker to miss his kick, but after a VAR check, the appeals were waved away.

Shortly after the restart, Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika saw their long-range efforts calmly collected by Shobeir.

At the hour mark, Emam Ashour tried his luck from a distance, but he blasted his effort well over the bar.

On the stroke of full-time, Salah had the opportunity to break the deadlock, but his strike from a free kick was blocked as both sides went straight into a penalty shootout.

Shobeir saved Nigeria’s opening attempt from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but Nwabali stuck out a strong right hand to deny Salah and kept out Omar Marmoush’s spot-kick down the middle with a trailing leg.

The rest of the spot kicks from the Super Eagles were converted, with Ademola Lookman securing the victory for Nigeria.