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Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero as Nigeria claimed the bronze medal at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.
The encounter went straight to a penalty shootout following a tightly contested 90 minutes that produced few clear-cut chances. Nigeria showed resilience to bounce back from their semi-final disappointment against hosts Morocco, ending their campaign on the podium.
The shootout belonged to Nwabali, who produced two crucial saves to deny Egypt’s star players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Although Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw the opening kick saved by Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir, Nwabali’s consecutive stops swung the momentum in the Super Eagles’ favour.
Calm finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman sealed the victory, with Lookman converting the decisive kick to secure Nigeria’s ninth AFCON bronze medal — a record in the competition’s history.
Regulation time was evenly matched, with Egypt creating the first major opening when Salah released Mahmoud Trezeguet through on goal, but Nwabali was alert to smother the danger. Salah later tested the Nigerian keeper twice at the near post, only to be denied again.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead late in the first half when Adams headed home, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Substitute Lookman also had a goal disallowed early in the second half for offside.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, penalties proved decisive, as Nwabali’s composure and shot-stopping ability guided Nigeria to victory.
The Super Eagles leave Morocco with renewed belief, while Egypt are left to reflect after narrowly missing out on a podium finish in a closely fought AFCON campaign.
