Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze medal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

The third-place playoff, played at the Stade Mohammed V on Saturday, failed to produce goals in regulation time, but Nigeria showed greater composure in the shootout to overcome the seven-time African champions.

The victory allowed the Super Eagles to finish the tournament on a positive note, a day before the AFCON final is staged in Rabat, where the bronze medals will be presented.

Nigeria reached the playoff after suffering a narrow semi-final loss to the host nation, Morocco.

That encounter also ended level, with the Super Eagles exiting the competition following a penalty shootout after extra time.

Reacting to the result, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team for their performance and praised their response to disappointment.

In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the win as a reflection of resilience and national character.

“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed,” Tinubu said.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.”

The President said the team’s ability to recover from setbacks and secure a podium finish embodied what Nigerians stand for, noting that determination and belief were evident throughout the match against Egypt.

According to Tinubu, the Super Eagles’ campaign, though short of the ultimate prize, remains worthy of pride and celebration among football fans across the country.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” he said.

Egypt, who had edged past Ivory Coast on penalties earlier in the tournament, were unable to replicate that success in Casablanca as Nigeria dominated the shootout to seal third place.

The bronze medal marks Nigeria’s final appearance at the 2025 AFCON and offers a measure of consolation after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.