Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero as Nigeria ended their AFCON 2025 campaign on a high, defeating seven-time champions Egypt 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal after a goalless third-place play-off at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
The victory brought relief for the Super Eagles after the disappointment of a semi-final exit. It also cemented Nigeria’s remarkable consistency at Africa’s premier football tournament. With the win, the Super Eagles finished on the AFCON podium for the 17th time, more than any other African nation. This recod includes three titles, five runners-up and nine third-place finishes.
Having lost penalty shootouts in recent high-stakes matches — including their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco — the Super Eagles finally broke their shootout hoodoo on the continental stage.
As is often the case in third-place matches, both teams fielded rotated squads following the emotional toll of their semi-final losses. Egypt made six changes, while Nigeria altered five, with head coach Eric Chelle opting to rest captain Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. Calvin Bassey was also ruled out.
Despite the changes, Nigeria carried greater attacking intent for long stretches. Moses Simon led from the front, troubling Egypt’s defence with his direct running, while Samuel Chukwueze consistently stretched the Pharaohs down the flank.
Egypt threatened sporadically through Mohamed Salah, who forced Stanley Nwabali into an early save before seeing a follow-up effort deflected behind. Nigeria, however, came closest to breaking the deadlock.
Akor Adams thought he had headed the Super Eagles in front in the 36th minute after meeting Chukwueze’s cross, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review. Early in the second half, substitute Ademola Lookman also saw a close-range effort chalked off for offside.
Nigeria continued to press. Raphael Onyedika and Simon tested Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from distance, while Egypt struggled to find rhythm against a composed Nigerian back line marshalled by Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Nwabali the hero again
With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time, the match headed into penalties — an arena that has haunted Nigeria in recent years.
It was different this time. Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero, saving Egypt’s first two spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening effort, the Super Eagles responded with calm precision. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all converted, sealing a 4–2 shootout victory.
Nwabali’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match award, capping an outstanding tournament for the goalkeeper.
Senegal plays hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday to cap a remarkable AFCON 2025.
