Kunle Adelabu
The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat their Pharaohs of Egypt counterparts 4 – 2 in a penalty shootouts on Saturday, to claim the third place at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The win was the ninth bronze medal by the Super Eagles in their 20 appearances in the AFCON, and the highest tally by any country.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties, including the first from Mohamed Salah and another from Omar Marmoush, to give victory to his team.
Nigeria and the Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman scored the winning penalty in the well attended match.
Super Eagles played all its seven matches at the AFCON without losing any in an open play. The only match lost at the tournament was the semi -final match against the host, Morocco, which they lost 4 – 2 in penalty shootouts, after goalless draw in regular time.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, on Saturday, commended the Super Eagles over their third-place finish, describing the feat as a testament to the team’s hard work and “Nigeria’s rich football tradition”.
“Congratulations, Super Eagles. On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate you on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Your performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation. You have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience.
“From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, you showed courage, unity, and belief in one another. You didn’t just play, you inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora”.
Morocco and Senegal will contest the final match of the tournament in Rabat, on Sunday.
