Stanley Nwabali was the hero after he saved twice in the penalty shootout as Nigeria claimed a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Egypt in the 2025 African Cup of Nations bronze medal match, SportPremi Reports.
The Chippa United goalkeeper saved two of the Pharaohs spot-kicks as the Super Eagles won their ninth bronze medal in the history of the tournament.
It also ended their run of two consecutive shootout defeats, as they bowed out on a high note after a very impressive display in Morocco.
First half: Akor Adams goal disallowed
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle made several changes to the starting lineup ahead of the clash, leaving several regulars out of the team.
Akor Adams had the first sight of goal in the 14th minute, but his strike was deflected, allowing Shobeir to make an easy save.
Mohamed Salah was then denied by Stanley Nwabali from close range, as both sides traded chances to score in an even first half.
The Super Eagles then had the ball in the back of the net as a header from Adams took a nick off Paul Onuachu into the net. However, the latter was penalized for a foul and the goal was chalked off.
The first half ended goalless with Nigeria aggrieved about their disallowed goal.
Second half: Lookman goal disallowed as game ends goalless
Ademola Lookman came on at halftime for Onuachu and immediately put the ball in the back of the net, but for a second time in the clash, the goal was disallowed this time for offside in the buildup.
Shobeir then denied Raphael Onyedika, as Nigeria continued to pile up pressure in search of the breakthrough.
Substitute Omar Marmoush then went down inside the Nigerian box and after a VAR review, the referee stood by his decision of no penalty.
With no goal after 90 minutes of action, the match went into penalties with no extra-time.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru stepped up and missed the first kick for Nigeria, but Nwabali saved Salah and Marmoush’s effort to give the Super Eagles the advantage.
Lookman then scored the winning penalty as Nigeria sealed bronze medal to cap off an impressive tournament, while also ending their poor shootout run.
Nigeria Players Ratings:
- Nwabali – 8.5/10
The goalkeeper made one save during the clash and was the hero on the day as he saved two of Egypt’s attempts from 12 yards to give his side the win.
- Onyemaechi – 7.2/10
The defender continued his impressive form with another inspired display at left-back.
- Ogbu – 7.2/10
Came in for the suspended Calvin Bassey and did not out a foot wrong.
- Ajayi – 7.1/10
A matured performance from the defender, before he came off injured late in the game.
- Osayi-Samuel – 7.3/10
Another brilliant display from the right-back who has been one of the standout players at the tournament.
- Simon – 6.8/10
Offered little attacking threat and he scored his spot-kick in the shootout.
- Onyedika – 6.6/10
A better performance from the midfielder than in his previous outing.
- Dele-Bashiru – 6.3/10
Put in a decent midfield shift, although he missed Nigeria’s first attempt in rhe spot-kick
- Chukwueze – 8.4/10
The winger put his penalty shootout miss against Morocco behind him and was Nigeria’s biggest threat in the match.
- Onuachu – 5.9/10
He rarely had service, but held the ball up well when given the chance
- Adams – 5.9/10
Showed impressive work rate and was unlucky to have a goal disallowed.
Substitutes
- Lookman – 6.5/10
Was unlucky not to make an instant impact after his goal was disallowed, but he scored the winning spot-kick this time around.
- Iwobi – 6.5/10
Came in and put in a decent shift in midfield
- Ejuke – n/a
Had little time to make an impact after coming on very late.
- Awaziem – n/a
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Egypt 53% – 47% Nigeria
Total Shots: Egypt 5 – 4 Nigeria
Shots on target: Egypt 1 – 4 Nigeria
Pass Accuracy: Egypt 86% – 87% Nigeria
Corners: Egypt 2 – 4 Nigeria
