The Super Eagles of Nigeria
Nigeria have secured the bronze medal at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after beating record holders Egypt on penalties in the third placed game at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
The Super Eagles who failed to qualify to the finals after losing on penalties to Morocco redeemed themselves on Saturday, January 17, 2025, after beating the Pharaohs 4-2 in the shoutout.
As is usually the case with third-place play-off matches, participating teams fail to give proper contest as they struggle to find the motivation to play the game.
This was certainly the way in a first half that saw very little in the way of entertaining attacking play for the healthy crowd who had made the journey to the iconic Casablanca.
The Super Eagles dominated the game in terms of possession but the Egyptian had the better chances in the game and had 4 shots on targets from the 5 attempts in the game.
With the game goalless in 90 minutes, penalties decided the game in favor of Nigeria who scored 4 out of their 5 kicks.
After Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Mohamed Salah had both seen their opening penalties saved, Akor got Nigeria on the board, and their position was immediately strengthened when Omar Marmoush was denied by Stanley Nwabali, allowing Moses Simon to make it 2-0.
Despite Ramy Rabia temporarily halving the deficit, Alex Iwobi made no mistake from 12 yards to put Nigeria on the brink of victory.
And although Mahmoud Sabar converted his spot-kick to keep the shoot-out alive, Lookman was on hand to fire home and send the large Nigerian contingent into celebration, ensuring the Super Eagles finished AFCON with something to show for their efforts.
Meanwhile, watch Ghanaians rate Daniel Laryea’s performance and predict the 2025 AFCON final.
