AFCON 2025: Nwabali comes big as Nigeria clinch bronze in Casablanca
· Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties
·Egypt stars Salah and Marmoush both missed
·Ademola Lookman scored the winner for Nigeria
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 in penalties)
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged hero for Nigeria as the Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, following a 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in Casablanca.
The game had to be decided straight from penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Eric Chelle’s side showed strong character to bounce back from their semi-final disappointment against hosts Morocco earlier in the week, in the same fashion, ensuring they concluded their campaign posaitively with a place on the podium.
Nwabali decisive in shootout drama
The penalty shootout belonged to Nwabali. The Nigeria shot-stopper produced two outstanding saves to deny Egypt’s star men — captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush — turning the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s shootout did not begin smoothly, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeing his effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir. But Nwabali quickly restored momentum with consecutive saves from Salah and Marmoush.
Calm finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman sealed the victory and confirmed Nigeria’s bronze medal finish.
Few chances in tightly contested encounter
In regulation time, the third-place playoff was evenly contested, with limited clear-cut chances at either end.
Egypt fashioned the first meaningful opportunity when Salah slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, but Nwabali was quick off his line to smother the danger.
Salah then went close with two near-post efforts in quick succession. His first attempt, a deft flick from Mohamed Hany’s cross, was blocked by Nwabali, while the follow-up deflected off Semi Ajayi for a corner.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock 10 minutes before the interval when Adams headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review, with Paul Onuachu adjudged to have fouled Hamdi Fathy in the build-up.
Nigeria press but remain patient
The Super Eagles had another goal chalked off just seconds into the second half, as substitute Lookman was flagged offside before finishing clinically.
Nigeria continued to probe, with efforts from Raphael Onyedika and stand-in captain Simon from distance, though both attempts were comfortably handled by Shobeir.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough in 90 minutes, the contest was decided from the spot — where Nigeria held their nerve and Nwabali proved decisive.
Nigeria depart Morocco with a bronze medal and renewed belief, while Egypt are left to reflect after falling just short in a tightly fought campaign.
Reactions
Man of the Match TotalEnergies: Stanley Nwabali
“It was a very difficult match against a great Egyptian team. Both sides were solid and no one wanted to make a mistake.During the penalty shootout, I stayed calm. I tried to read the takers and trust my instinct. Thankfully, it worked for us.This victory is the result of collective effort. The defenders were incredible, and the entire team stayed united until the very end.”
Hossam Hassan – Head Coach of Egypt
“It was a very evenly matched game against a strong Nigerian team. Both teams were organized and disciplined throughout the match.We managed to control several phases of the game, but in matches like these, things are decided by details. Today, the outcome was determined by penalty kicksThe players showed great character and strong discipline. I am very satisfied with my team’s performance and proud of their commitment and the spirit they displayed till the end.Penalty shootouts are part of football. Sometimes they go in your favor and sometimes they don’t, and you have to accept that and keep working.”
Eric Chelle- coach of Nigeria
“Being a coach is never easy. At one point I felt disappointed, not because the players fell short, but because they gave everything they had until exhaustion. Today, as I stand here, I feel great pride in them.I am very proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team. This team gave everything—not only in this match, but over the past two months and throughout a full year of continuous work. What we achieved did not come by chance. There was a great deal of work done with the players. Building a strong group is not easy; managing different personalities requires calm and patience, but the players responded in the best possible way.The players gave everything for me, for the coaching staff, and for the country. I respect them all and am extremely proud of what they delivered.This match is not just a one-night story; it is part of a longer journey that concerns the future of this team. We will build on this experience, and it will be the foundation for the next phase of work.We tried different ideas, tested multiple approaches, and learned from every situation. Some things worked, others did not—but that is how teams develop.What matters most to me is clear: this team has character, commitment, and a strong future ahead.”