Nwabali the hero as Nigeria edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure on Saturday night as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure a podium finish in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

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After a pulsating goalless draw in regulation time, Nwabali produced a heroic shootout display, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to hand Nigeria bronze medals and a lucrative US $2,500,000 (approximately Ksh 322.5 million) prize.

With both sides having narrowly missed out on a place in the final, the playoff carried tangible stakes and emotional significance.

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Nigeria arrived seeking to extend their impressive record in third-place matches, having won all previous eight encounters, while Egypt aimed to claim their fourth bronze, their last coming in 1974.

The contest began at a frenetic pace.

Nigeria threatened early when Akor Adams broke through in the seventh minute, but his close-range effort drifted wide after being teed up by Paul Onuachu.

Moses Simon followed soon after with a dangerous run, only to be denied by a timely block from a Pharaohs' defender.

Egypt responded through Hamdi Fathi and later Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star twice going close before being denied by the alert Nwabali.

The Chippa United custodian stood firm again moments later, smothering Salah’s rebound to preserve parity.

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Nigeria thought they had taken the lead shortly before the break when Onuachu bundled the ball home, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a foul in the build-up.

Both sides continued to trade chances after the interval, with Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush all spurning opportunities as defences held firm.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match was settled from the penalty spot.

After Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, Nwabali swung the momentum decisively.

He guessed correctly to deny Salah before producing a superb leg save to keep out Marmoush.

Penalties from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman ensured Nigeria capitalised fully on their advantage.

Lookman’s composed final strike sealed a 4-2 shootout victory, confirming Nigeria’s dominance over Egypt in third-place encounters and capping the tournament with a deserved bronze-medal finish.

For Nigeria, it was a fitting end defined by the brilliance of Stanley Nwabali between the posts as they wrapped up the tournament, placed third.