In a dramatic conclusion to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the Super Eagles of Nigeria soared to a podium finish, defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 via a penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal. The thrilling third-place playoff took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nwabali's Heroics Seal Victory from the Spot
The match was ultimately decided from twelve yards after a tense 90 minutes of regular time ended goalless. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the undisputed hero for Nigeria, producing two magnificent saves during the shootout. His most notable contribution was denying global superstar and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Egypt's first attempt. Nwabali also thwarted the effort from substitute Omar Marmoush, effectively putting Nigeria in the driver's seat.
For the Super Eagles, the penalty takers showed remarkable composure after an initial setback. Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who was handed a start by coach Eric Chelle, saw his opening kick saved. However, his teammates stepped up brilliantly. Striker Akor Adams, winger Moses Simon, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forward Ademola Lookman all converted their spot-kicks with conviction, sealing a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
A Tense Battle in Regular Time
The match preceding the penalties was a cagey and physical affair, with both sides creating but also squandering chances. Nigeria's first real opportunity fell to Akor Adams in the 14th minute, but his shot from inside the box was comfortably saved by Egyptian keeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The Super Eagles thought they had broken the deadlock in the 35th minute when Paul Onuachu found the net. However, the goal was correctly disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed the striker had committed a foul with his elbow on an Egyptian defender in the buildup.
Egypt, led by the ever-dangerous Mohamed Salah, also threatened. In the 27th minute, Salah unleashed a double effort, but Nwabali was equal to the task, making a crucial block to keep the scores level. Nigeria's defense, marshaled by Raphael Onyedika and Igho Ogbu—who replaced the suspended Calvin Bassey—stood firm against subsequent attacks.
The introduction of 2024 CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, in the second half injected pace into the Nigerian attack. He almost created a winner in the 86th minute, dribbling past two defenders and delivering a perfect cut-back into the six-yard box, but defender Semi Ajayi could not apply the finishing touch.
Road to Redemption and CAF Recognition
This victory served as a strong consolation for the three-time African champions, who suffered heartbreak in the semi-final just days earlier. Nigeria was eliminated by host nation Morocco after a grueling 120-minute goalless draw, eventually losing on penalties at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had earlier acknowledged the Super Eagles' impressive journey throughout the tournament, sending a message of recognition to the team. The bronze medal finish, secured through resilience and a stellar performance from Stanley Nwabali, provides a positive foundation for the team's future endeavors.
Coach Eric Chelle made five strategic changes to the lineup that faced Morocco. Alongside Ogbu, he started Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Moses Simon, aiming to refresh the squad for the final push. The tactical decision, despite the initial penalty miss from Dele-Bashiru, ultimately paid off as Nigeria ended their AFCON 2025 campaign on a triumphant note.
