- Super Eagles maintain 100% record in AFCON third-place playoffs
- Nigeria defeat Egypt 4-2 on penalties after 0-0 draw
- Stanley Nwabali shines with crucial penalty saves
- Lookman scores decisive spot-kick to seal victory
Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their perfect run in Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff matches after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
As is often the case with third-place playoff fixtures, both Nigeria and Egypt struggled to raise their intensity, with the opening stages lacking urgency and clear attacking ideas.
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The first half offered little excitement for fans who filled the iconic Casablanca stadium. Clear chances were rare, and the tempo remained low for most of the half.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock nine minutes before the interval when Akor Adams headed home from close range after a clever cross from Samuel Chukwueze. However, after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, the referee ruled out the goal for a foul by Paul Onuachu on Hamdy Fathy.
The decision ensured the first half ended goalless, a fair reflection of the quiet display from both sides.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle attempted to change the game immediately after the break by bringing on Ademola Lookman for Onuachu. The substitution almost paid off instantly as Lookman found the net within a minute, but his effort was correctly flagged for offside.
Egypt, still recovering from their semi-final defeat to Senegal, looked short of confidence and creativity. Their usual attacking flair was missing, while Nigeria struggled to find the final pass in the attacking third.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with both teams cancelling each other out. Nigeria registered the only two shots on target, but neither side could find a breakthrough, forcing the match into penalties.
Penalty Shootout Drama
Both teams stumbled early in the shootout, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Mohamed Salah seeing their opening penalties saved.
Akor Adams then calmly converted to put Nigeria ahead, before goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a huge moment by denying Omar Marmoush. Moses Simon made it 2-0 from the spot, putting the Super Eagles in control.
Although Ramy Rabia pulled one back for Egypt, Alex Iwobi restored Nigeria’s two-goal advantage. Mahmoud Saber kept Egypt alive with his effort, but Lookman stepped up confidently to fire home the winning penalty.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Nigerian fans, as the Super Eagles secured third place and ended their AFCON campaign on a positive note.
