By Kwame Bediako
Nigeria’s Super Eagles salvaged pride at the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, securing a hard-fought bronze medal with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in Casablanca.
After a tense goalless draw through regular time, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, denying Egypt’s star duo Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the shootout.
Ademola Lookman sealed the triumph by converting the decisive penalty, capping a resilient performance from the three-time champions.
The match unfolded under the lights at the Stade Mohammed V, where both sides traded blows in a cagey affair marked by staunch defending and missed opportunities.
Nigeria, eager to end their campaign on a high after earlier setbacks against Morocco in the Semi-finals, relied on Nwabali’s commanding presence between the posts to keep Egypt’s attack at bay.
The Pharaohs, powered by Salah’s flair and Marmoush’s pace, probed relentlessly but couldn’t break the deadlock, forcing the outcome to penalties.
In the shootout, Nwabali’s nerves of steel shone brightest. He first stopped Salah’s effort, sending the Nigerian bench into raptures, before diving the right way to thwart Marmoush and preserve the lead.
Lookman’s cool finish under pressure proved the knockout blow, as Nigeria’s penalty-takers bolstered by clinical execution outlasted their rivals.
For Egypt, the loss stings after high expectations, but it underscores the continent’s rising competitiveness.
