- Salah, Marmoush penalty misses hand Nigeria record ninth AFCON bronze after 4–2 shootout win in 2025 third-place playoff.
- Following a goalless draw in regulation time, the Super Eagles prevailed in the penalty shootout to secure a record ninth AFCON bronze medal.
- The match was played at the Stade Mohammed V on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed from the spot as Egypt fell to Nigeria on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V on Saturday evening.
After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match proceeded directly to a shootout, where the Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 to claim a record ninth AFCON bronze medal.
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Nigeria took the first attempt through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but his effort was saved by Mostafa Shobeir.
Mohamed Salah then stepped up for Egypt, only to see his kick parried by Stanley Nwabali, leveling the score.
The Super Eagles reclaimed the advantage as Akor Adams converted their second penalty, while Manchester City’s Marmoush saw his Panenka attempt for the Pharaohs kept out by Shobeir’s legs.
Nigeria maintained their composure from the spot.
Although Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber managed to keep Egypt in contention, Ademola Lookman confidently dispatched the Super Eagles’ fourth penalty to seal the victory.
The result brought relief to manager Eric Chelle’s side, who were eager to rebound after losing their previous two matches in shootouts – one to DR Congo in World Cup qualifying and another to hosts Morocco in the AFCON semifinals.
Salah, Marmoush penalty misses hand Nigeria record ninth AFCON bronze
As a third-place playoff, the contest was predictably hard-fought, with both sides displaying equal strength and menace, though neither could find a breakthrough in open play.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock when Samuel Chukwueze hoping to redeem himself after a semifinal penalty miss delivered a precise cross into the box.
Paul Onuachu’s deflection and a powerful header from Akor Adams appeared to give them the lead, but the goal was disallowed after Onuachu was penalized for an elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the buildup, earning the bewildered striker a booking.
Following that missed opportunity, the match remained a cagey affair through the first half, setting the stage for a tense finale.
The second period offered more openings, but neither side could convert their chances. With the final whistle confirming a stalemate, the outcome was decided from the penalty spot, where Nigeria ultimately prevailed.
Egypt vs Nigeria – AFCON 2025 Third-Place Playoff Lineups
- Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Khaled Sobhi, Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Ahmed ‘Zizo’, Sayed, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.
- Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali, Bruno, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika Nwadike, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu.