AFCON: Nwabali The Hero As Super Eagles Beat Egypt On Penalties To Claim Third Place
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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali delivered a standout performance on Saturday night as Nigeria defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout to secure third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
In a match that lived up to the usually subdued nature of third-place playoffs, both sides played out a largely uninspiring 0-0 draw after ninety minutes.
However, Nwabali rose to the occasion when it mattered most, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to earn Nigeria a 4-2 victory and the Player of the Match award.
Both teams rang the changes following their heartbreaking semifinal exits.
Egypt retained talisman Mohamed Salah in their starting lineup, while Nigeria rested key figures including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
With Salah leading the line, the Pharaohs looked the more threatening side for much of the first half.
Nigeria, however, came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock shortly before the interval when Akor Adams nodded home from a Samuel Chukwueze cross. The celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled out the goal for a foul in the build-up.
The second half offered little improvement in tempo or quality. Lookman was introduced after the break in a bid to inject urgency into Nigeria’s attack, but clear chances remained scarce as both teams cancelled each other out.
With no extra time required, the encounter proceeded straight to penalties.
Nigeria quickly seized control as Nwabali denied both Salah and Omar Marmoush with superb saves.
Despite Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeing Nigeria’s opening kick stopped, the Super Eagles kept their composure, converting their next four penalties. Lookman calmly slotted home the decisive kick to seal the win.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s final, where reigning champions Senegal will face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
