Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
The third-place playoff ended goalless after regulation time, with tournament rules sending both sides straight into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The Super Eagles showed character and resilience, bouncing back from their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco to finish the competition on the podium.
Nwabali proved decisive during the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush to tilt the contest in Nigeria’s favour. Nigeria had initially stumbled when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed his attempt, but Nwabali’s double save quickly restored momentum.
Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman then kept their composure, converting their penalties calmly to seal the victory.
Regulation time was keenly contested, with both teams cancelling each other out and creating few clear-cut chances. Egypt threatened through Salah, but Nwabali reacted sharply on two occasions to deny the Liverpool star.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead twice, but both efforts were ruled out. Adams’ header was disallowed after a VAR review, while Lookman’s early second-half strike was chalked off for offside.
With no breakthrough after 90 minutes, the match was decided from the spot, handing Nigeria a bronze medal and a confidence-boosting end to their AFCON campaign, while Egypt narrowly missed out.
