The bronze medal match, often regarded as a test of character and mental strength, once again highlighted Nigeria’s ability to rebound from semi-final disappointment. After regulation time ended without a winner, the Super Eagles held their nerve in the shootout, with Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converting from the spot to seal the win over Egypt.
Since the inaugural AFCON tournament in 1957, several nations have climbed onto the podium, but none have done so as consistently as Nigeria. With nine bronze medals, the Super Eagles sit comfortably at the top of the all-time rankings.
Countries with the Highest AFCON Bronze Medals
Nigeria – 9 Bronze Medals
Years: 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2019, 2025
Nigeria’s dominance in bronze medal matches spans generations. From the round-robin era of the 1970s to modern knockout formats decided by penalties, the Super Eagles have repeatedly demonstrated resilience, squad depth and tactical discipline to finish strongly.
Côte d’Ivoire – 4 Bronze Medals
Years: 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994
The Ivorians were frequent podium finishers in AFCON’s early decades. Their bronze medals reflect long-standing competitiveness before their later golden era produced tournament titles.
Zambia – 3 Bronze Medals
Years: 1982, 1990, 1996
Zambia’s bronze finishes underline a tradition of grit and recovery, particularly in the 1990s, when the Chipolopolo often bounced back from heartbreak to claim third place.
Egypt – 3 Bronze Medals
Years: 1963, 1970, 1974
Before rising to become AFCON’s most decorated champions, Egypt built their pedigree through consistent podium appearances in the tournament’s early years.
South Africa – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 2000, 2023
Bafana Bafana’s bronze medals came more than two decades apart, with the 2023 finish signalling a return to continental competitiveness.
Cameroon – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1972, 2021
Cameroon’s bronze medals span different generations, with their 2021 third-place finish on home soil highlighting their enduring tournament mentality.
DR Congo – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1998, 2015
Known for physical strength and organisation, DR Congo have twice recovered from semi-final exits to finish on the podium.
Mali – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 2012, 2013
Mali enjoyed a notable run in the early 2010s, finishing third in back-to-back tournaments and establishing themselves as a consistent West African contender.
Algeria – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1984, 1988
Algeria’s bronze medals in the 1980s reflected a technically gifted generation that regularly challenged Africa’s best.
Burkina Faso – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 2017
Burkina Faso’s third-place finish in Gabon remains one of the nation’s standout AFCON moments, achieved after a dramatic playoff victory on penalties.
Ghana – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 2008
Despite their status as AFCON heavyweights, Ghana have only claimed bronze once, doing so on home soil.
Morocco – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1980
Morocco secured third place at the 1980 tournament in Nigeria, marking an early continental success.
Tunisia – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1962
Tunisia claimed bronze on home soil during one of AFCON’s early group-based editions.
Ethiopia – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1959
Ethiopia’s third-place finish in 1959 added to their strong early AFCON legacy.
Sudan – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1957
Sudan hold a special place in history as the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament they hosted.
Nigeria’s latest success against Egypt reinforces their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent tournament teams, particularly when it comes to finishing strongly under pressure.