Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured a podium finish at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a nerve-shredding 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt on Saturday night.
In a match where goals were hard to come by during regulation time, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali cemented his status as a national icon, producing two world-class saves in the shootout to deny the North African giants.
The third-place playoff, held at the heart of Casablanca, lived up to its billing as a tactical chess match. After a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes, the game skipped extra time and went straight to the spot.
The shootout started on a shaky note for Nigeria when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening strike parried away by Egyptian keeper Ouba Shobeir.
However, the momentum shifted instantly thanks to Nwabali’s heroics. The Nigerian shot-stopper guessed correctly twice, thwarting efforts from Egypt’s talismanic captain Mohamed Salah and the clinical Omar Marmoush.
With the advantage restored, Nigeria showed ice-cold composure. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman all converted their spot-kicks with clinical precision to seal the 4-2 win.
Earlier in the match, the Super Eagles thought they had found the breakthrough on two separate occasions.
Ten minutes before the interval, Akor Adams headed home from close range, sending the Nigerian bench into raptures.
However, a lengthy VAR review overturned the goal, ruling that Paul Onuachu had fouled Hamdi Fathy in the build-up.
The frustration continued just seconds after the restart when substitute Ademola Lookman finished a slick move with a clinical strike.
Once again, the celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, keeping the game scoreless despite Nigeria’s persistent pressure.
Egypt had their moments too, primarily through Salah. The Liverpool star nearly turned provider for Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan in the first half, but a vigilant Nwabali was quick off his line to smother the danger.
The victory provides a sense of closure for Eric Chelle’s side, who were left heartbroken earlier in the week following a semi-final exit at the hands of hosts Morocco.
By defeating the record seven-time champions, Egypt, the Super Eagles ensure they return to Abuja with heads held high and a bronze medal around their necks.
While the Pharaohs are left to reflect on a campaign that fell just short of their high expectations, Nigeria departs Morocco with renewed optimism and a squad that proved it can handle the highest pressure on the continent.
Final Score: Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 on penalties)
Man of the Match: Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria)
