){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=small}
KWA
){kind=small}
DPH
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=logo}
LEV
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
MIL
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=small}
ARS
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSV
){kind=logo}
SAS
){kind=small}
VER
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
ATH
){kind=logo}
ELC
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
AFCON 2025
)
Stanley Nwabali proved to be Nigeria's savior once again as the Super Eagles goalkeeper delivered a man-of-the-match performance to secure third place at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with victory over Egypt.
Stanley Nwabali was the hero as Nigeria once again solidified its reputation as the "Kings of Bronze," securing their 9th AFCON third-place finish by defeating Egypt in a high-drama penalty shootout at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
After a cagey 0–0 draw in regulation time, the Super Eagles won 4–2 on penalties, ensuring they leave Morocco with a podium finish.
)
12:08 - 17.01.2026
Eric Chelle suggested that Samuel Chukwueze only misses one in 400 penalties during training
In a match defined by VAR heartbreak and heroic goalkeeping, Ademola Lookman struck the winning spot-kick to maintain Nigeria's perfect historical record: the Super Eagles have now won all nine AFCON third-place matches they have ever contested.
The Battle for Bronze was a tactical, low-energy affair as both teams grappled with the physical and emotional fatigue of their semi-final exits. Eric Chelle who wants to remain as coach made tactical rotations, but the Super Eagles still carried the sharper attacking threat throughout the 90 minutes.
)
Nigeria's Super Eagles thought they had found the breakthrough on two separate occasions, only for the video assistant to intervene:
36th Minute: Paul Onuachu powered home a header from close range, but a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside in the buildup.
47th Minute: Just seconds after the restart, substitute Ademola Lookman found the net with a clinical finish. Again, the offside flag was raised, leaving the Nigerian bench in disbelief.
)
Egypt’s talisman Mohamed Salah was active from the whistle, creating 12 chances throughout the game. However, he met his match in Stanley Nwabali.
The Nigerian keeper, who has been a revelation this tournament, made a stunning point-blank save in the first half to deny Salah and ensure the Pharaohs remained goalless.
With no extra time played in the third-place playoff, the match went straight to penalties. The drama began immediately:
In a shocking start, both teams missed their opening efforts. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s shot was saved, and Mohamed Salah followed suit, firing his effort wide to the astonishment of the Casablanca crowd.
)
Nigeria regained their composure, with Moses Simon and Ramy Rabia scoring for their respective sides. After Egypt missed a second kick, Lookman stepped up to fire home the winner, sparking celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.