Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Egypt on penalties following a tense goalless draw in the third-place playoff encounter.
The match produced few clear-cut chances as both sides struggled to assert attacking dominance, with defensive organisation and cautious play defining the contest. Despite Nigeria enjoying more of the ball, with a 53.3–46.7 per cent possession advantage, clear opportunities were hard to come by in regulation time.
The Super Eagles came closest to breaking the deadlock on two occasions but were twice denied by officiating decisions. Akor Adams thought he had given Nigeria the lead late in the game, only for the goal to be ruled out after referee adjudged Paul Onuachu to have committed a foul in the build-up. Another Nigerian effort was also disallowed, further frustrating the West African side.
Egypt, equally blunt in attack, failed to capitalise on Nigeria’s moments of dominance, with both teams unable to find the net through 90 minutes, forcing the encounter into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, the Super Eagles held their nerve, converting four penalties, while Egypt managed to score only two, sealing Nigeria’s victory and securing the bronze medal.
The result provided a consolatory finish to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign, rewarding their control of possession and resilience, while Egypt were left to rue missed opportunities in a contest that never truly ignited but ultimately ended in Nigerian celebration.
