Stanley Nwabali was the standout performer as the Super Eagles of Nigeria bowed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with their heads held high, securing the bronze medal after a 4–2 victory over Egypt on penalties following a goalless draw at the Stade Mohammed V.

Nigeria’s semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco on Wednesday had threatened to derail what had been their most exciting AFCON outing in recent years, offering little promise heading into the third-place match against five-time African champions Egypt.

Perhaps still affected by their earlier loss to Senegal, the Pharaohs offered little threat in the opening minutes, even as Eric Chelle fielded a much-altered line-up for the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Akor Adams finished off a Samuel Chukwueze delivery, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review adjudged Paul Onuachu to have fouled Hamdy Fathi in the build-up.

Nigeria came out with renewed intent in the second half following the introduction of Ademola Lookman for Onuachu. Lookman appeared to make an immediate impact, finding the net with his first touch, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny the Super Eagles once again.

Little happened thereafter, as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout to decide the third-best team on the continent.

Nigeria started on the back foot as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his effort saved, but Nwabali quickly turned the tide, producing superb saves to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. His heroics swung the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.

Alex Iwobi and Lookman converted their spot-kicks, adding to earlier successful efforts from Akor Adams and Moses Simon, as the three-time African champions sealed victory and clinched their 17th AFCON podium finish — the most by any nation in the competition’s history.