Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the standout performer of the night, making two crucial penalty saves to as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal, Afrosport reports.
With Calvin Bassey out due to suspension, Igoh Ogbu filled in at the back. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman began on the bench as Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Moses Simon were brought into the starting XI.
The Super Eagles started the game on the front foot, with Akor Adams forcing an early save from the Egyptian goalkeeper within the opening minutes.
However, the Pharaohs gradually settled into the match, creating their own scoring opportunities and demanding robust defending from Nigeria to maintain a level scoreline.
Just five minutes before halftime, Nigeria appeared to have taken the lead when Adams coolly slotted home. Unfortunately, a VAR review overturned the goal after spotting a foul by Onuachu during the build-up. The first half concluded without any goals.
Early in the second half, Nigeria celebrated again after Lookman nodded in from close range. Sadly, the joy was short-lived as the offside flag was raised against Adams earlier in the play, ruling out the goal for a second time.
Raphael Onyedika nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful long-range effort that forced a sharp save from Egypt’s goalkeeper. Smaller chances followed for Lookman, Adams, and Moses Simon as Nigeria continued to push for an elusive goal.
As the match wore on, both sides tightened their defenses, limiting clear scoring opportunities and leaving the game finely poised. With no extra time scheduled, the match went straight to a penalty shootout.
The shootout began nervously for Nigeria when Dele-Bashiru’s penalty was stopped. However, Egypt failed to capitalise on this early advantage. Once again, Stanley Nwabali came to Nigeria’s rescue, replicating his heroics from the semi-final by making a pivotal save to regain momentum.
From then on, Nigeria was flawless. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi converted their penalties with confidence before Ademola Lookman sealed a 4-2 victory with a calm and collected finish.
BRONZE MEDALISTS. 🥉
Nigeria claim third place at the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/bQIzD4sD3F
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2026
This triumph secured Nigeria’s ninth AFCON bronze medal — extending their record as the most decorated third-place team in the tournament’s history, with five more medals than any other country.
