Breaking: Super Eagles Edge Egypt on Penalties to Claim AFCON Bronze

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria secured the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after defeating Egypt in a tense third-place playoff decided by penalties, following a goalless draw after regulation time.

The Super Eagles won on 4-2.

The encounter, played before a lively crowd of 38,113, lived up to its billing as a clash of continental heavyweights, with both sides trading spells of dominance but failing to break the deadlock during open play.

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Akor Adams powered in a header, only for VAR to rule out the goal for a foul in the build-up, setting the tone for a night of fine margins and frustration.

Egypt, marshalled by their talisman Mohamed Salah, enjoyed extended periods of possession but struggled to translate control into clear chances.

Salah twice threatened with deliveries from wide areas, while Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained alert to snuff out danger when required.

Nigeria grew into the contest as the game wore on, with Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon providing width and energy.

Ademola Lookman appeared to have put the Super Eagles ahead early in the second half, but once again VAR intervened, disallowing the effort for offside.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough after 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties, where Nigeria showed greater composure under pressure.

Goals from Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman put Nigeria firmly in control of the shootout.

Egypt’s hopes faded when both Salah and Omar Marmoush missed from the spot, handing the Super Eagles a decisive edge.

Lookman’s calmly taken penalty proved the clincher, sealing Nigeria’s shootout victory and sparking celebrations among players and supporters alike.

The result ensured Nigeria finished the tournament on a positive note after falling short of the final, while Egypt were left to rue missed opportunities in a match where discipline and defensive organisation largely cancelled out attacking flair.