Nigeria's defender #20 Chidozie Awaziem celebrates after the penalty shoot out in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) third place football match between Egypt and Nigeria at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Casablanca, Morocco: Ademola Lookman converted the spot-kick that gave Nigeria a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Egypt after a 0-0 draw on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria's forward #15 Moses Simon (L), Nigeria's midfielder #18 Raphael Onyedika, Nigeria's defender #13 Bruno Onyemaechi and Nigeria's midfielder #10 Fisayo Dele-Bashiru celebrate victory in the penalty shoot out during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) third place football match between Egypt and Nigeria at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles' first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Egypt players watch during the penalty shoot out in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) third place football match between Egypt and Nigeria at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
