Sports

Super Eagles Soar To Bronze In Dramatic Style, Setting AFCON Record

Published

5 days ago

January 18, 2026

Samuel Gangwaja

Super Eagles Soar To Bronze In Dramatic Style, Setting AFCON Record

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in a heart-stopping third-place playoff, defeating arch-rivals Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in regulation time. The victory extends Nigeria’s record as the most successful nation in AFCON bronze medals, claiming a historic ninth third-place finish.

The match, a nail-biting affair from start to finish, was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, an area where Nigeria has famously struggled in recent tournaments. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the undisputed hero, producing three magnificent saves in the shootout to provide the platform for victory.

With the score tied 2-2 in the shootout, Nwabali’s third crucial save set the stage for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. The winger stepped up cooly and slammed home the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and staff, finally exorcising the demons of past shootout disappointments.

The path to penalties was fraught with drama. Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock in the 67th minute through a seemingly brilliant team goal. A slick combination between Amor Adams and Paul Onuachu ended with the latter slotting the ball home, only for the celebrations to be cut short.

After a lengthy VAR review, the goal was controversially chalked off. The review determined that Onuachu had used his arm to fend off an Egyptian defender in the build-up, a decision that left the Nigerian bench furious but was ultimately upheld.

Undeterred by the setback, the Super Eagles regrouped and displayed remarkable defensive resilience to force the game to penalties. There, they finally turned their fortunes around, securing their first shootout victory in three AFCON attempts.

The victory provides a positive end to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign, ensuring they return home with hard-earned medals and a significant slice of tournament history.