The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place play-off of the Africa Cup of Nations played at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The two of Africa’s most decorated national teams had to engage in penalty shootout, following a tense, goalless third-place play-off, which did not produce any goal after 90 minutes of football.
During the penalty shootout, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his penalty saved by Shobeir, briefly giving Egypt hope, but captain Mohamed Salah saw his effort saved by Nwabali. Nigeria struck first through Akor Adams, while Nwabali again proved decisive by denying Marmoush.
Moses Simon extended Nigeria’s advantage before Rami Rabia converted for Egypt. Alex Iwobi calmly dispatched his kick, and although Mahmoud Saber kept Egypt alive with a powerful finish, Ademola Lookman sealed victory by converting the final penalty to make it 4–2.
Nwabali’s two saves ensured Nigeria ended the tournament on a winning note. The victory delivered the ninth bronze medal and also continental pride, while Egypt were left to reflect on another narrow defeat in a tournament that again slipped away at the final stages.
It will be recalled that this bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history. The Super Eagles had won the AFCON title three times, finished as runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, won man of the match award, following Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking after the match, the Chippa United of South Africa shot-stopper dedicated the award to Nigerian fans and his teammates after helping the Eagles secure a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal.
“First, I want to say big thanks to my nation and a lot of our fans that came out to support us today. I dedicate this man of the match to them. I feel so happy,” Nwabali said.
“Secondly, I really appreciate my teammates, these guys deserve the best. They have been working so hard, so I want to dedicate this man of the match to all of them.”
The 29-year-old proved decisive in the shootout, denying Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to ensure Nigeria preserved their perfect record in AFCON third-place playoffs.
“I know this is not really the position we want in this tournament, but we’ll take it, it’s a team game, and I’m happy tonight,” he added.
Nwabali kept four clean sheets out of seven games at the tournament, conceding just four goals as Nigeria finished with 14 goals overall, their highest tally at any AFCON edition.
GIK/APA