AFCON Bronze: Nigeria Edge Egypt as Salah and Marmoush Stumble
Nigeria secured the AFCON bronze medal after edging past Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the third-place play-off, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero in the shootout.
After 120 minutes of tight, tactical football failed to separate the two sides, the Super Eagles held their nerve from the spot to deny the Pharaohs a podium finish and end their AFCON campaign on a high.
Cagey Contest Ends Scoreless
The encounter began cautiously, with both teams mindful of defensive solidity after narrow semi-final exits. Egypt enjoyed spells of possession through Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, and Trézéguet, but Nigeria remained disciplined, limiting clear-cut chances.
Nigeria came closest midway through the second half when Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika both tested Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from range in quick succession, but the Pharaohs’ stopper was equal to both efforts.
Egypt responded with long-range attempts of their own, with Emam Ashour and Trézéguet firing over the crossbar, while a VAR check in the first half ruled out a potential breakthrough, keeping the scoreline level at the break.
Injuries and substitutions disrupted the rhythm late on, with Nigeria forced to replace Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi, while Egypt introduced Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Saber, and Ibrahim Adel in search of a winner. Despite late pressure and set-piece opportunities at both ends, neither side could find the decisive goal in regulation time.
Nwabali the Shootout Star
The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Nigeria’s composure proved decisive.
After Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw Nigeria’s opening kick saved by Shobeir, Nwabali swung momentum firmly in the Super Eagles’ favour by saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Nigeria converted through Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and finally Ademola Lookman, whose calm finish sealed victory.
Egypt managed to score only twice in the shootout, through Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber, as Nigeria ran out 4–2 winners on penalties.
Bronze Medal Secured
The result hands Nigeria third place at the Africa Cup of Nations and a morale-boosting finish to the tournament, while Egypt are left to reflect on another narrow defeat in a competition where fine margins once again proved decisive.
For Nigeria, the performance underlined their defensive resilience and mental strength, with Nwabali’s shootout heroics providing a fitting end to their AFCON journey.
Final Score:
Egypt 0–0 Nigeria
Nigeria win 4–2 on penalties