Sat Jan 17 17:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Nigeria Secures AFCON Bronze, Defeating Egypt in Penalty Shootout
The Story:
Nigeria clinched third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday in Casablanca, triumphing over Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. After both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed their opening penalties, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi successfully converted for Nigeria, paving the way for Ademola Lookman to score the decisive penalty. The match was marked by disallowed goals and tense moments, ultimately showcasing Nigeria’s resilience after their semifinal loss to Morocco.
Key Points:
- Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
- Ademola Lookman scored the winning penalty.
- Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed Egypt’s opening penalties.
- Nigeria secured its record-extending ninth third-place finish at the Nations Cup.
- A Nigeria goal by Akor Adams was disallowed after a VAR review.
- Both teams had penalty shouts waved away.
Key Takeaways:
- Nigeria demonstrated resilience in bouncing back from their semifinal defeat.
- Egypt’s key players, Salah and Marmoush, faltered in the crucial penalty shootout.
- VAR decisions significantly impacted the flow and outcome of the match.
- Nigeria’s experience in third-place playoffs proved advantageous.
- The victory provides a positive conclusion to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
First Piper 