Nwabali the Hero as Nigeria Edge Egypt on Penalties for AFCON 2025 Bronze
Nigeria’s Super Eagles extended their remarkable record in third-place matches by defeating Egypt on penalties to claim the AFCON 2025 bronze medal.
Following a tense goalless draw after 90 minutes, the match bypassed extra time to head straight to a penalty shootout, where Nigeria triumphed 4–2. This victory marks the ninth time Nigeria has finished third in the competition’s history, maintaining their perfect record in bronze-medal deciders.
The first half was defined by high tactical discipline and intervention from the Video Assistant Referee.
Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, was active from the opening whistle, carving out several opportunities and testing the Nigerian backline. However, Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali proved to be a formidable barrier, most notably in the 27th minute when he produced a stunning point-blank save to deny Salah the opening goal. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Paul Onuachu powered a header into the net, but the celebrations were cut short. Following a VAR review, the referee disallowed the goal for a foul by Onuachu during the buildup, and the striker was subsequently cautioned.
The second half began with renewed energy as Nigeria coach Éric Chelle introduced Ademola Lookman for Onuachu to provide more pace in the final third. The Super Eagles nearly found their breakthrough immediately when Akor Adams put the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee to correctly signal for offside. Lookman continued to spark the Nigerian attack, creating several half-chances, but Egypt’s defense remained resolute under the guidance of Hossam Hassan. Egypt responded with tactical changes of their own, bringing on Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Saber to regain control, but neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle blew.
The subsequent penalty shootout was a drama-filled affair that began with both star men faltering. Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved, but Mohamed Salah was unable to capitalize as Nwabali mirrored the save to keep the scores level. Nigeria soon took the advantage when Akor Adams converted his spot-kick while Nwabali denied Omar Marmoush. Successive goals from Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi for Nigeria, alongside conversions from Egypt’s Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber, set the stage for the finale. Ademola Lookman stepped up to coolly slot home the winning penalty, securing a 4–2 shootout victory and the bronze medal for Nigeria.
