Stanley Nwabali delivered a heroic performance on Saturday night as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties to clinch the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After 120 minutes of intense, scoreless football marked by near misses and controversial VAR decisions, the third-place playoff was decided from the spot. Nwabali rose to the occasion, making two crucial saves in the shootout to secure a hard-fought victory for Nigeria and round off their tournament on a high note.
Far from a routine consolation match, the encounter was played at a high tempo, with both teams showing urgency and determination before a vibrant crowd of 38,113 fans. Nigeria appeared to have broken the deadlock in the first half when Akor Adams headed home from close range, but VAR intervened to rule out the goal for a foul in the build-up, much to the Super Eagles’ frustration.
Nigeria continued to push after the break, controlling possession for long spells, while Egypt posed a constant threat on the counterattack through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Another moment of disappointment followed when Ademola Lookman’s early second-half strike was chalked off for offside.
The match grew increasingly disjointed as injuries and substitutions took their toll. Semi Ajayi was forced off late on, and coach Eric Chelle rang the changes in search of a breakthrough that never materialised. Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find the winning goal in regulation time or extra time, sending the contest to penalties.
Nigeria showed greater composure from the spot, with Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman converting confidently. Egypt responded through Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber, but the pressure proved too much for their star players.
Nwabali denied Omar Marmoush, while Mohamed Salah sent his penalty wide, sparking loud celebrations among Nigerian supporters. Although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed his effort to briefly keep Egypt in the contest, the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper made one final save to settle the tie.
Nwabali’s decisive stop sealed Nigeria’s bronze medal, triggering jubilant celebrations among the players and officials. The victory brought a satisfying conclusion to a challenging AFCON campaign for the Super Eagles, underlining their resilience and depth.
For Egypt, it was a painful night defined by fine margins and missed opportunities. Ultimately, under the glare of the floodlights and the pressure of penalties, Stanley Nwabali emerged as the difference, steering Nigeria to a deserved place on the podium.
