PSL Star Helps Nigeria Clinch Bronze At AFCON

Photo by Mahugnon Leopold Soglo/Gallo Images

Nigeria secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt on penalties.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Result: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties)

Date: 17 January 2026

Venue: Stade Mohamed V

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed recalls to Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu as the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman dropped to the bench after Wednesday’s loss to Morocco in the semi-finals. Egypt, meanwhile, started Mostafa Mohamed ahead of Omar Marmoush.

The game was played at a lively pace in the early stages of the encounter, however both nations were let down by their decision-making in the final third as neither goalkeeper had a big save to make in the opening 20 minutes.

However, the Super Eagles had the ball in the back of the net after 36 minutes when Samuel Chukwueze did well to pick out Akor Adams, who rose above his marker before heading home, however the celebrations were cut short as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted a foul in the build-up.

After a quiet first half, Super Eagles introduced Lookman at the start of the second half, which nearly paid off when the Atalanta man found the back of the net a minute after the break, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Egypt, meanwhile, had to wait until the hour mark for a clear-cut opening when Zizo sent Emam Ashour through on goal however the Al Ahly star sent his effort wide of the upright from close-range.

Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan responded with a double change soon after the missed opportunity as Zizo and Trezeguet made way for Marmoush and Mahmoud Saber to freshen up the attack for the final 30 minutes of the second half.

Despite the flurry of changes, neither nation were able to create another clear-cut opening in the latter stages of the second half, which ultimately sent the game to a penalty shoot-out.

The Super Eagles managed to hold their nerve and triumph 4-2 in the shoot-out, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Marmoush to secure the bronze medal.

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