Nigeria's Super Eagles ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a triumphant note, securing a podium finish after a dramatic 4-2 victory over Egypt in a penalty shootout on Saturday, January 17. The thrilling third-place playoff, held at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, was decided from the spot after a tense and goalless 120 minutes of regulation and extra time.
Nwabali Emerges as the Shootout Hero
The undisputed star of the night was goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who delivered a monumental performance during the penalty decider. The shot-stopper produced two crucial saves, first denying Egyptian talisman and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah on Egypt's opening kick, and later stopping an effort from substitute Omar Marmoush. Nwabali's heroics provided the foundation for Nigeria's victory, as the Pharaohs struggled to recover from the early setback.
From the spot, Nigeria's takers showed composure after an initial stumble. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Super Eagles' first penalty, but his teammates held their nerve. Successful conversions from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman sealed the 4-2 win, with Lookman's final kick sparking celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.
A Tight Contest Decided by Fine Margins
The match preceding the shootout was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances. Nigeria's best opportunity in regular time came in the 14th minute when Akor Adams forced a save from Egyptian keeper Mostafa Shobeir. The Super Eagles thought they had broken the deadlock in the 35th minute through Paul Onuachu, but the goal was correctly disallowed by VAR after the forward was adjudged to have fouled a defender with his elbow.
Egypt, led by Salah, threatened periodically. The Liverpool forward saw a double effort expertly kept out by Nwabali in the 27th minute, highlighting the goalkeeper's strong form throughout the match. Nigeria also had late penalty appeals waved away when Akor Adams was pushed in the area and when Semi Ajayi challenged Ibrahim Adel.
Chelle's Tactical Changes and Squad Depth
Head coach Eric Chelle made five changes to the side that lost to Morocco in the semi-final. He introduced Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, and Igho Ogbu, the latter replacing the suspended Calvin Bassey. The changes injected fresh energy, with substitute Ademola Lookman making a significant impact after his introduction in the second half.
The victory provides a measure of consolation for Nigeria after the heartbreak of their semi-final exit. It also underscores the team's resilience and the depth of talent available, finishing the tournament with a hard-fought win against one of Africa's traditional powerhouses. The third-place finish adds another medal to Nigeria's storied AFCON history and sends a positive signal for the future of the squad under Chelle's guidance.
