Lookman clinches third spot for Nigeria following AFCON penalty drama versus Egypt

Ademola Lookman netted the decisive penalty that handed Nigeria a 4-2 win in the shoot-out against Egypt after a goalless stalemate on Saturday during the Africa Cup of Nations third place match.

The Super Eagles triumph in Casablanca came after the setback of penalty defeats that denied them spots in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON decider.

Nigeria had fallen on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a qualifier for the World Cup intercontinental playoffs.

Just three days earlier they suffered another penalty loss to hosts Morocco in the AFCON semi-final.

This result preserved Nigerias flawless history in AFCON third place encounters with seven prior successes.

Prior to Lookmans successful strike Fisayo Dele-Bashiru fluffed Nigerias opening penalty then Akor Adams captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi all converted theirs.

Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush saw their efforts stopped by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber found the net for Egypt.

Egypt made six alterations and Nigeria five from the line-ups that began their semi-final defeats to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days prior.

Captain Salah featured from the start for the Pharaohs while usual starters like goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were listed among the reserves.

Forwards Victor Osimhen and Lookman both past recipients of the African player of the year honour began on the substitutes bench for Nigeria.

A large portion of the Moroccan fans in the near full 45000 capacity Stade Mohammed V supported Nigeria booing whenever Egypt controlled the ball or when coach Hossam Hassan appeared on the screens.

This backing for the Super Eagles stemmed from the intense rivalry between Morocco and Egypt at both international and club levels.

Goals ruled out

Nigeria dominated early then Egypt took control in a scoreless first half under chilly overcast skies in the Moroccan business hub.

Paul Onuachu believed he had opened the scoring on 36 minutes heading the ball beyond keeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Yet a VAR check by the Moroccan official showed Onuachu had unintentionally elbowed Hamdy Fathy leading to the goals cancellation and a booking for the Nigerian.

Lookman entered for the second half in place of Onuachu courtesy of coach Eric Chelle and promptly found the net in the first minute after the interval though it was chalked off for offside.

Nigeria launched multiple assaults right after halftime following a subdued opening period with Shobeir the offspring of ex Egypt keeper Ahmed Shobeir needing to produce key stops.

Salah rarely posed a threat and any time he dribbled inwards the risk was neutralised swiftly. Marmoush was introduced past the hour to inject energy into a subdued Egyptian attack.

However as time ticked into the last 10 minutes Osimhen remained unused hinting at possible fitness concerns.

In swift moves Adams followed by Marmoush came close to breaking through yet both faltered with the final effort amid defender pressure.

Salah then underwhelmed with a free-kick chance from outside the area striking it directly into the barrier which was cleared away promptly.