Nigeria Thursday defeated Senegal 1-0 in the third place match of the 25th Africa Nations Cup, thereby winning the bronze medal for three consecutive times in the continental tournament.

The Nigerians came third in Mali in 2002 and Tunisia in 2004, before repeating the feat Thursday. They have won the continental trophy twice - in Lagos in 1980 and Tunisia in 1994.

After a goalless first-half at the Cairo International Stadium, the Super Eagles hit the back of the net in the 79th minute through a Garbal Lawal strike to establish their supremacy over the Teranga Lions, who had earlier fallen 2-1 to the Nigerians in the group stage.

Having missed out on the World Cup finals later this year in Germany, and for a third Africa Nations Cup, it was a consolation for retiring captain Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha, who played his last match for Nigeria Thursday capping a 13-year career.

Both teams made the three allowable changes each, with Okocha yielding his place to Wilson Oruma and like in Nigeria's four victories in this competition, the introduction of Kanu Nwankwo brought the much needed urgency that resulted in the Super Eagles only goal of the match Thursday.

Kanu was in the starting line-up when Cote d'Ivoire defeated Nigeria 1-0 Tuesday in the semi-final.

The World Cup-bound Ivorians take on hosts Egypt in the final Friday to determine the 2006 CAN winner and runner-up.