- ‘Nwabali the Hero’ Super Eagles Beat Egypt on Penalties to Win AFCON Bronze
- Super Eagles win AFCON bronze after goalless draw
- Salah, Marmoush miss as shootout favours Nigeria
Stanley Nwabali emerged as Nigeria’s unlikely hero on Saturday night as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that after 120 minutes of intense football ended goalless, the Nigeria goalkeeper delivered a decisive performance in the shootout, making two crucial saves to hand the Super Eagles a hard fought podium finish.
The third place playoff was far from a mere formality, as both sides approached the game with urgency and purpose before a vibrant crowd of 38,113 spectators. Nigeria started brightly and thought they had broken the deadlock midway into the first half when Akor Adams headed home from close range. The goal was later ruled out following a VAR review that spotted a foul in the build up, leaving the Super Eagles visibly frustrated.
Nigeria continued to push after the break, controlling long spells of possession while Egypt relied on counter attacks led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman also saw his effort chalked off early in the second half for offside, compounding Nigeria’s frustration.
As the game progressed, injuries and substitutions disrupted the flow. Semi Ajayi was forced off late, while head coach Eric Chelle introduced fresh players in search of a breakthrough. Despite several dangerous moments at both ends, neither side found the decisive touch in regulation time or extra time, forcing the contest into penalties.
The shootout tested nerves, but Nigeria held firm. Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman all converted their penalties. Egypt responded through Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber, but pressure told on their key men.
Omar Marmoush saw his effort saved by Nwabali, while Mohamed Salah missed the target entirely, drawing loud cheers from Nigerian supporters. Although Fisayo Dele Bashiru missed for Nigeria, briefly keeping Egypt alive, Nwabali stepped up once more.
The goalkeeper’s final save sealed the victory and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Super Eagles as they clinched the bronze medal.
For Nigeria, the result marked a fitting end to a demanding AFCON campaign, highlighting the team’s resilience and depth. For Egypt, it was a painful night defined by missed opportunities and fine margins.
Under the lights and pressure of penalties, Stanley Nwabali stood tall, guiding the Super Eagles to a deserved place on the AFCON podium.
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