Nigeria's national football team has secured N3.56 billion in prize money after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Casablanca. The match, which remained goalless through 90 minutes of regulation time, saw goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali deliver a standout performance by stopping two Egyptian penalties to clinch the bronze medal.

This marks Nigeria's ninth third-place finish in AFCON history, reinforcing the Super Eagles' consistent presence among Africa's top football nations. However, the team has not won the continental trophy since their last triumph in 2013, making their recent semifinal exits a recurring pattern at major tournaments.

Meanwhile, Senegal captured their second AFCON title with a narrow 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco in Rabat. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal just three minutes into extra time with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, stunning the home crowd and delivering Senegal their first championship since 2021.

According to CAF president Patrice Motsepe, the 2025 tournament featured a historic increase in prize money, with total payouts reaching unprecedented levels. The champions received $10 million, equivalent to N14.23 billion, a significant jump from the $7 million awarded in 2023. Morocco, despite their runner-up finish, collected $4 million (N5.69 billion), while fourth-place Egypt took home $1.3 million (N1.85 billion).

Teams that reached the quarterfinals were awarded $800,000 each, translating to approximately N1.14 billion. Those finishing third in their groups received $700,000 (N996 million), and fourth-place group finishers earned $500,000 (N711 million). These figures reflect CAF's ongoing efforts to improve financial incentives for participating nations.

During a pre-tournament briefing at Rabat's Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Motsepe emphasized the confederation's commitment to raising prize allocations. He noted that before 2023, the winning prize was below $5 million. The gradual increases signal CAF's broader strategy to boost competitiveness and investment in African football infrastructure.

In the penalty shootout against Egypt, Nigeria's Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman all converted their attempts with composure. Egypt's star forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both missed their spot kicks, allowing Nwabali to emerge as the hero of the match. His two crucial saves underscored his growing reputation as one of the continent's most reliable shot-stoppers.

Nigeria's consistent ability to finish in the top four at AFCON tournaments highlights the depth of talent within the squad, even as the elusive championship continues to slip away. The substantial financial reward from this bronze medal finish provides important resources that can be reinvested into youth development and national team preparations.

As African football continues to grow in global prominence, the record-breaking prize structure at AFCON 2025 demonstrates the continent's commitment to elevating the sport. For Nigeria, the N3.56 billion windfall represents both recognition of their performance and a foundation for future success at major tournaments.