Nigeria claimed the bronze medal at AFCON with a penalty shootout victory over Egypt.

The Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five takeaways from the match 

Eric Chelle makes five changes 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made five changes to his starting line-up following Nigeria’s semifinal defeat to hosts Morocco on Wednesday night.

The Malian tactician opted for rotation to inject freshness into the squad, while also addressing suspension issues ahead of the fixture.

In defence, Igor Ogbu comes in for Calvin Bassey, who is ruled out after picking up a yellow card against Morocco. 

In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are handed starting roles, with Chukwueze returning despite criticism over his missed penalty in the semifinal.

Up front, Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu leads the attack in place of Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during the clash with the hosts. 

Controversial VAR decisions

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was heavily involved in several key moments during the third-place playoff.

In the first half, VAR intervened to rule out what would have been Nigeria’s opening goal, scored by Akor Adams just before the break. 

The Sevilla striker was later denied a penalty in the final ten minutes after a challenge involving Egyptian midfielder Hamdy Fathy.

Moments after, Egypt also appealed for a penalty when Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush went down following a challenge from Semi Ajayi. 

However, after review, the officials judged the tackle to be fair and waved play on.

Salah fails to impress again

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah once again struggled to produce his best form, delivering another underwhelming performance against Nigeria in the third-place match.

Salah had come under criticism for his display in the semifinal defeat to Senegal, and he failed to respond convincingly against the Super Eagles. 

The Egyptian captain found it difficult to impose himself and was largely contained by Bruno Onyeamachi.

Nigeria suffers two Injury blows

The Super Eagles were dealt two injury setbacks during the second half of the encounter against the Pharaohs.

Bright Osayi-Samuel was the first to be forced off after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury while trying to halt an Egyptian attack. 

Shortly after, Semi Ajayi also signalled for a substitution, clutching his hamstring towards the closing stages of the match.

Nwabali shines in shootout

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a standout performance during the penalty shootout to help Nigeria secure the bronze medal.

The Chippa United captain made two crucial saves, denying Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, as Nigeria emerged victorious in the shootout.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: efa.com.eg