Nigeria ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a triumphant note on Saturday night, edging Egypt on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the undisputed hero, producing two decisive saves in the shootout to tilt the contest in Nigeria’s favour after regulation time finished goalless. His composure under pressure ensured the Super Eagles walked away from Morocco with a podium finish and renewed belief.

Head coach Eric Chelle rang several changes to his starting line-up, yet Nigeria began assertively, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence. Egypt responded with equal intensity, and the Pharaohs came closest in the 28th minute when Mohamed Salah found space in the box, only for Nwabali to produce a sharp reflex save to deny the Liverpool forward.

Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock shortly before the interval when Akor Adams bundled the ball home, but celebrations were cut short following a VAR review. Paul Onuachu was adjudged to have committed an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build-up, and the goal was ruled out.

Chelle sought fresh impetus after the break, introducing Ademola Lookman for Onuachu. The Atalanta forward appeared to make an instant impact when he found the net moments after the restart, but once again VAR intervened, with Adams flagged offside in the move that led to the finish.

As the contest wore on, Nigeria continued to probe. Alex Iwobi was introduced for the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel, while appeals for a late penalty after Adams went down in the area were waved away following another review. Lookman’s low cross in the closing minutes narrowly evaded a finishing touch, sending the contest into penalties.

From the spot, Nwabali delivered when it mattered most, saving the opening two kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Lookman then converted calmly to seal the shootout victory and hand Nigeria a well-earned bronze medal, a fitting reward for resilience, discipline, and defensive resolve.