Nigeria managed to keep up their perfect record in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoffs as they won against Egypt 4–2 in penalties after a goalless draw at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Both sides found it difficult to lift the tempo in a subdued first half, and the game was short of clear chances. Just before the interval, Nigeria thought they had scored when Akor Adams headed in at close range, but after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed as Paul Onuachu was deemed to have fouled Hamdy Fathy in the buildup.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle was looking for a spark from his team at halftime, and he brought on Ademola Lookman, who, with only his first touch, scored right at the beginning of the second half. Nevertheless, the excitement soon died down as the goal was again ruled out because of an offside.
Egypt, who are devastated because of their loss in the semi-final against Senegal, lacked ideas in the attack, and Nigeria were also unable to come up with good chances. As there were only two shots on target throughout the match, the shootout was the only way forward.
Stanley Nwabali turned out to be the savior in the shoot-out as he stopped two attempts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Henceforth, the goals by Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman wrapped up the win for Nigeria.
