Nigeria have emerged third place winners in the CAF Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after edging past Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday 17 January, 2026 at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
After a goalless full-time, which went into extra time, with both sides still unable to find the back of the net, the match was decided from the spot.
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emerged the hero for the West African side after making crucial saves during the penalty shoot-out to bring the showdown Nigeria’s way.
Nwabali, who fields for South African club, Chippa United, for his beautiful contribution to Nigeria’s victory was awarded CAF Man Of The Match capping an amazing tournament with another commanding performance under pressure.
CAF described goalie Nwabali as “Nigerian brick wall”.
The outcome expands Nigeria’s stunning record in third place games of the AFCON, with the Super Eagles maintaining a perfect success rate in bronze medal matches.
Saturday evening’s victory means Nigeria recorded a strong campaign – winning five (5) encounters, scoring many goals, as well as, stamped their status as one of the best teams in the continental tournament.
For the Pharoahs, they fought all through, but, fell short in the penalties, finishing their AFCON 2025 campaign without a medal.
Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu’s goal in the first half, in the 36th minute, was cancelled by Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Ademola Lookman netted the last penalty kick for the Super Eagles, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed his penalty kick, which was the first for Nigeria.
Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah, who fired Egypt’s first kick, missed; the forward had hoped to win his first ever AFCON title with his country, but, was unable after falling to the Senegalese in the semi finals by a lone goal, scored by Al Hilal forward, Sadio Mane.
Also, Manchester City forward, Omar Marmoush, was unable to score his penalty kick, the second for Egypt; Akor Jerome Adams, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi all scored for Nigeria to ensure the Super Eagles returned home with something (bronze).
All attention now turns to the final between Senegal and Morocco, which will take placed on Sunday 18 January, 2026 at the 69,500 capacity Stadium in Rabat at 20:00 (WAT).
On Nwabali, CAF posted on X: “Nigerian brick wall.
“Stanley Nwabali is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.”
