Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero for Nigeria as the Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in Casablanca.
The third-place playoff was decided straight from the spot following a tightly contested encounter that produced no goals in regulation time.
Eric Chelle’s side showed remarkable resilience to bounce back from their semi-final disappointment against hosts Morocco earlier in the week, finishing the tournament on a high and earning a deserved place on the podium.
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The penalty shootout belonged to Nwabali, who delivered a commanding performance under pressure. The Nigerian shot-stopper pulled off two crucial saves, denying Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush to swing the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s shootout began on a shaky note when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir. However, Nwabali’s back-to-back saves quickly shifted momentum, calming Nigerian nerves.
Composed finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman ensured victory and sealed Nigeria’s bronze medal triumph.
The match itself was evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances created by either side. Egypt carved out the first real opening when Salah threaded a fine pass to Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, but Nwabali reacted sharply to smother the danger.
Salah later came close twice in quick succession, first seeing a near-post flick from Mohamed Hany’s cross blocked by Nwabali before a follow-up effort deflected off Semi Ajayi for a corner.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead 10 minutes before half-time when Adams headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with Paul Onuachu penalised for a foul on Hamdi Fathy in the build-up.
The Super Eagles had another effort chalked off moments into the second half when substitute Lookman was flagged offside before finishing clinically.
Nigeria continued to press with long-range efforts from Raphael Onyedika and stand-in captain Simon, though both were comfortably handled by Shobeir.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough in normal time, penalties proved decisive, as Nigeria held their nerve and Nwabali once again rose to the occasion.
Nigeria departed Morocco with a bronze medal and renewed belief, while Egypt is left to reflect after narrowly missing out in a hard-fought campaign.