The Nigerian Super Eagles has won the bronze trophy as the third place team after defeating Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Tough Match
The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintain their perfect record in the fixture.
Interim coach named a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his place in goal behind a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the flanks behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria began brightly and created the first opening in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected behind by an Egyptian defender. Both sides then settled into a cagey rhythm with defences on top.
Adams appeared to have given the Eagles the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was cancelled after VAR review showed Onuachu had elbowed a defender in the build-up. The striker was booked for the offence.
The teams went into the break level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward had the ball in the net shortly after the restart, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.
Alex Iwobi later came on for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but chances remained scarce and the match headed to penalties after regulation time ended in stalemate.
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Commendation
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, for putting behind them the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco and securing a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The President in a congratulatory message issued on Saturday described the team’s third-place finish, achieved against Egypt, as a reflection of resilience, determination and the enduring fighting spirit of Nigerian football.
President Tinubu stated that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country.
The President further stated in his remarked that despite the Super Eagles good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and Nigerians’ hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“”Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” The President added.
The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated.
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Sources – VON and Punch
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