Egypt vs Nigeria: Nwabali rises to occasion to help Super Eagles win 9th bronze medal — Player Ratings

Nigeria are AFCON bronze medallists for the 9th time, thanks to penalty shootout heroics from Stanley Nwabali, who stopped attempts from Egypt's main men: Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah.

Here is how Super Eagles players performed individually in the third-place playoffs against Egypt:

Stanley Nwabali is Mr Dependable from 12 yards, and he showed his quality once again. After regulation time in which he was barely tested, Nwabali stopped two penalties during the shootouts. Unlike against DR Congo and Morocco, his teammates capitalised on the advantage, as the Super Eagles continued their dominance in third-place fixtures.

Bright-Osayi Samuel carried on his strong performances in the knockout stages. He exerted himself so much that he needed to be replaced due to cramping.

In Calvin Bassey's absence, Semi Ajayi was the leader in the defence, and he played the role expertly. He was strong, sharp and surprisingly quick, snuffing out and stopping Egypt's fast breaks. He was also decent on the ball.

Igoh Ogbu had an improved performance from his decent showing against Uganda in the third group stage game. He was solid at the back and showed clean technique on the ball.

Riyad Mahrez, Brahim Diaz, and now Mohamed Salah – Bruno Onyeamachi has faced the best of what North Africa has to offer as regards right wingers, and he came out on top each time. Another strong defensive performance from the left back, although he left a lot to be desired offensively.

The weak performance against Morocco seems to have a lingering effect on Onyedika's confidence, as his showing against Egypt was closer to his display against the Atlas Lions than his work against Uganda. Still, he showed elements of his quality anchoring the base,

Clearly jetlagged from his propulsionless penalty attempt against Morocco, Chukwueze had a lethargic first half. However, he was much improved in the second half when he moved centre-ward and drove most of Nigeria's attacks.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru struggled to interpret his role in the side and was a passenger for most of his time on the pitch.

He was possibly Nigeria's best attacker for the game. His dribbling was the best it had been all tournament, and he kept the Super Eagles looking dangerous. However, his decision-making and deliveries were mediocre.

His header that deflected off Paul Onuachu seemed to give Nigeria the lead before it was chalked off for a foul in the buildup. He was also involved in the second goal of the game, which was also ruled off. He was strong and energetic, but could have done better with his chances.

Paul Onuachu started strongly, physically imposing himself on the game. However, he slowly petered out, positioning himself poorly and making loose passes. He did not make a strong account of himself in Victor Osimhen's absence.