Nigeria continued their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff matches as the Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties to defeat Egypt after a goalless draw in regulation time at Stade Mohammed V.
As is usually the case with third-place playoff matches, both teams appeared to be struggling to find the motivation to get up for the contest.
This was certainly the way in a first half that saw very little in the way of entertaining attacking play for the healthy crowd who had made the journey to the iconic Casablanca.
A first-half goal appeared very unlikely after a very low-key opening half-hour; however, Nigeria looked to have taken the lead nine minutes before the break.
After Samuel Chukwueze had seen his header from inside the area well saved by Oufa Shobeir, the winger recovered the ball and chipped it across the box to find Akor Adams, who did well to backtrack slightly before directing his header home from close range.
But after consulting his pitchside monitor, the referee adjudged that Paul Onuachu had fouled Hamdy Fathy, which prevented the defender from having an opportunity to challenge Adams for the ball, and the goal was disallowed to ensure the first half, deservedly, ended goalless.
In need of some inspiration after the interval, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle turned to his bench during the interval, introducing Ademola Lookman in place of Onuachu, and his decision appeared to have been a masterstroke as the forward found the net with his first touch inside the opening minute of the second half.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside to bring the Super Eagles quickly back down to earth.
Having seen their six-game unbeaten run ended in Wednesday’s 1-0 semi-final defeat to Senegal, Egypt were evidently still yet to get over the result as they lacked their usual flair and flamboyancy in an underwhelming display.
It always appeared unlikely that either side would find a winner in the second half, which followed a very similar pattern to the first, with both teams struggling to conjure up any quality in the final third.
Indeed, only two shots on target were registered - both by Nigeria - as the game petered out, with spot-kicks being required to determine a winner.
After Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Mohamed Salah had both seen their opening penalties saved, Akor got Nigeria on the board, and their position was immediately strengthened when Omar Marmoush was denied by Stanley Nwabali, allowing Moses Simon to make it 2-0.
Despite Ramy Rabia temporarily halving the deficit, Alex Iwobi made no mistake from 12 yards to put Nigeria on the brink of victory.
And although Mahmoud Sabar converted his spot-kick to keep the shoot-out alive, Lookman was on hand to fire home and send the large Nigerian contingent into celebration, ensuring the Super Eagles finished AFCON with something to show for their efforts.
