Super Eagles Clinch AFCON 2025 Bronze After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Egypt

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in Saturday’s third-place playoff, PulseNets learnt.

The result extends Nigeria’s record as the most successful third-place finishers in AFCON history, marking the country’s ninth bronze medal in the competition.

PulseNets reported that head coach Eric Chelle made sweeping changes to his starting XI, leaving key players Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi on the bench at kickoff, while Victor Osimhen did not feature at all.

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, was sidelined as a precaution after sustaining an ankle issue during Wednesday’s semifinal loss to hosts Morocco, information obtained by PulseNets.

Egypt dominated the early exchanges, pinning Nigeria back in their own half, but the Super Eagles remained disciplined and absorbed the pressure effectively.

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Paul Onuachu found the net, but VAR intervened to rule out the effort due to a foul committed by the striker in the buildup.

PulseNets learnt that the introduction of Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman after the interval changed the tempo of the contest, allowing Nigeria to enjoy greater control of possession.

Just minutes into the second half, Lookman headed in a rebound after the Egyptian goalkeeper failed to hold a shot, but the goal was again disallowed—this time for offside.

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Both teams struggled to convert chances in regulation time, with defensive discipline and goalkeeping ensuring the deadlock remained unbroken until the final whistle.

The match was ultimately decided by penalties, where Nigeria prevailed 4–2 thanks to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who saved two spot-kicks to seal the Super Eagles’ bronze medal triumph, PulseNets was told.