The Super Eagles have secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating Egypt after a tense penalty shootout at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali proved to be the hero on the night, saving two penalties to ensure the Super Eagles ended their tournament on a positive note.
Despite making several changes to his starting line-up, Chelle’s team began the game on the front foot, but they were tested by an Egyptian side determined to press aggressively high up the pitch. The Pharaohs went close in the 28th minute, only for Nwabali to deny Salah from close range, and the ensuing corner failed to produce a breakthrough.
Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock in the 39th minute through Akor Adams, but celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, which ruled out the goal after Paul Onuachu was penalised for an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build-up.
More Read
Seeking a breakthrough, Eric Chelle made a change at the interval, introducing Lookman in place of Onuachu. The switch appeared to have an immediate impact as the Atalanta forward found the net just after the restart, but the effort was chalked off with Akor Adams flagged offside.
With the contest still finely balanced, Chelle made another change in the 65th minute, bringing on Alex Iwobi for Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was forced off through injury. Nigeria appealed for a penalty in the 79th minute after Akor Adams went down under a challenge, but VAR ruled against awarding a spot kick.
The Super Eagles continued to press in search of a winner and went close late on when Lookman drilled a low cross into the area in the 85th minute, but no one could apply the finishing touch. With both sides unable to find a winning goal, the match was ultimately settled by a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Nwabali continued his brilliant form in the tournament, saving the first two penalties from Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush before Ademola Lookman converted clinically, securing the bronze medal for the Super Eagles.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
