Nigeria clung to third place at AFCON 2025 in dramatic fashion after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Casablanca on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Substitute Ademola Lookman held his nerve to score the decisive spot kick and hand the Super Eagles the bronze medal.
Both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed Egypt’s opening penalties, while Akor Adams, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi converted theirs for Nigeria before Lookman stepped up to finish the job.
It was Nigeria’s record-extending ninth third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, a fitting way to end a promising campaign.
The victory also erased the pain of their shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semifinals and allowed the West African giants to bow out on a high.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Adams headed home after Mostafa Shobeir parried a cross into Samuel Chukwueze’s path, but the goal was ruled out following a lengthy VAR check.
Adams was judged to have fouled Hamdy Fathy, although replays suggested the contact was minimal.
Both teams showed far more attacking intent than in their disappointing semifinal exits.
Egypt started brightly, with Stanley Nwabali called into action early after Trézéguet tried to pick out Salah.
Their pressing was sharper and more aggressive, putting Nigeria under early pressure, especially with the absence of suspended Calvin Bassey in defence.
Nigeria gradually settled into the game, with Adams forcing a deflection and Nwabali again alert to clear danger after Salah released Trézéguet.
The Super Eagles grew in confidence, helped by the largely pro-Nigeria crowd in Casablanca, who encouraged them and whistled Egypt’s possession.
Lookman, introduced at halftime, brought energy and urgency. He had the ball in the net within minutes, only for the effort to be ruled offside.
Shobeir later denied efforts from Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon as Nigeria pushed forward.
Adams continued to test the Egyptian goalkeeper, forcing him off his line as Nigeria took control and Egypt relied more on counterattacks.
Marmoush’s introduction injected pace for Egypt, though it also resulted in Bright Osayi-Samuel appearing to suffer a hamstring injury while trying to contain him.
As the game drifted toward penalties, appeals were waved away at both ends. Adams went down in the Egyptian box, while Semi Ajayi was also fortunate not to concede a spot kick after contact with Marmoush.
In the shootout, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s opening penalty was saved, briefly putting Nigeria under pressure. But Nwabali responded brilliantly, saving Salah’s weak effort and denying Marmoush with his outstretched legs to swing momentum back in Nigeria’s favour.
After successful penalties from Simon, Ramy Rabia, Iwobi and Mahmoud Saber, Lookman stepped up and calmly converted, with Shobeir unable to stop him.
Nigeria had their bronze, their pride, and a strong ending to their AFCON 2025 journey.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
