Super Eagles of Nigeria has secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the star of the show, making two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure the Super Eagles concluded their tournament campaign with a bronze medal.
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Despite a heavily rotated starting lineup, Nigeria started the match with intent but faced a determined Egyptian side that pressed high up the pitch. The Pharaohs nearly took the lead in the 28th minute, but Nwabali produced a fine save to deny Mohamed Salah from close range.
Ademola Lookman converts and we secure a GOLDEN Bronze!
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 17, 2026
The Super Eagles believed they had found a breakthrough in the 39th minute when Akor Adams found the back of the net. However, their celebrations were cut short after a VAR review disallowed the goal, penalizing Paul Onuachu for an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy during the build-up.
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Looking for an offensive spark, coach Eric Chelle brought on Ademola Lookman for Onuachu at halftime. The change almost paid off immediately as the Atalanta forward scored shortly after the restart, only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside call against Adams.
As the stalemate continued, Nigeria was forced into another change in the 65th minute when an injured Bright Osayi-Samuel was replaced by Alex Iwobi. The Super Eagles had a strong penalty appeal waved away by VAR in the 79th minute after Adams went down in the box.
Nigeria pushed for a late winner, coming close in the 85th minute when a dangerous low cross from Lookman flashed across the goalmouth with no one there to convert. With neither team able to score in regulation time, the match headed to a decisive penalty shootout.
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Nwabali, who had been outstanding throughout the tournament, once again rose to the occasion. He saved Egypt’s first two spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, setting the stage for Ademola Lookman to score the winning penalty and seal the bronze medal for Nigeria.
