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•Wins Man of the Match award
By Joe Apu
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, following a goalless draw in the third-place match at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
The penalty shootout belonged to Nwabali. The Nigeria shot-stopper produced two outstanding saves to deny Egypt’s star men — captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush — turning the contest firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s shootout did not begin smoothly, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeing his effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Ouba Shobeir. But Nwabali quickly restored momentum with consecutive saves from Salah and Marmoush.
Calm finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman sealed the victory and confirmed Nigeria’s bronze medal finish.
Both teams had entered the encounter after semifinal defeats — Nigeria losing to Morocco, while Egypt were edged out by Senegal. Nigeria came into the match with a perfect record in previous third-place games, having won all eight, while Egypt had claimed three wins from five such fixtures.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made several changes to his lineup, with Paul Onuachu replacing Victor Osimhen in attack. Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Igoh Ogbu were also drafted in for Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka, and the suspended Calvin Bassey.
In front of 38,113 spectators, Nigeria started the match brightly but struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian defence. The tempo of the game remained subdued, with both goalkeepers largely untroubled throughout the opening half.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead just before halftime when Akor Adams found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Onuachu was adjudged to have committed a foul during the buildup.
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Ademola Lookman was introduced at the start of the second half and wasted little time finding the back of the net, only for his effort to be chalked off for offside. The remainder of the match followed a similar pattern, with few clear-cut chances as both sides appeared content to allow the contest be decided from the penalty spot.
In the ensuing shootout, Nwabali’s heroics proved decisive as Nigeria converted four of their penalties while Egypt managed just two, sealing a 4–2 victory and another AFCON bronze medal for the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, Nwabali was also named the Man Of The Match to which he dedicated the award to his Super Eagles teammates.
also drafted in for Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka, and the suspended Calvin Bassey.
In front of 38,113 spectators, Nigeria started the match brightly but struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian defence. The tempo of the game remained subdued, with both goalkeepers largely untroubled throughout the opening half.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead just before halftime when Akor Adams found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Onuachu was adjudged to have committed a foul during the buildup.
Ademola Lookman was introduced at the start of the second half and wasted little time finding the back of the net, only for his effort to be chalked off for offside. The remainder of the match followed a similar pattern, with few clear-cut chances as both sides appeared content to allow the contest be decided from the penalty spot.
In the ensuing shootout, Nwabali’s heroics proved decisive as Nigeria converted four of their penalties while Egypt managed just two, sealing a 4–2 victory and another AFCON bronze medal for the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, Nwabali was also named the Man Of The Match to which he dedicated the award to his Super Eagles teammates.
