Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero as Nigeria secured the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal with a penalty shootout victory over Egypt after a goalless draw in Casablanca.
In a low-key third-place play-off at Stade Mohammed V, chances were limited and clear openings rare, with both sides struggling to inject urgency into proceedings following semi-final defeats earlier in the week.
Nigeria edged the better moments in the first half and briefly thought they had taken the lead when Akor Adams headed home from close range, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
Egypt, still subdued after their loss to Senegal, failed to seriously test Nwabali during regulation time, with the Nigeria goalkeeper largely untroubled across the 90 minutes.
Nwabali. Photo Credit: Imago
The introduction of Ademola Lookman at half-time appeared to provide immediate spark when the forward scored with his first touch, but the offside flag again intervened to deny Nigeria.
The match drifted to penalties and it was Nwabali who took centre stage. After both teams saw their opening spot-kicks saved.
Akor Adams. Photo Credit: AFP
The Nigeria goalkeeper denied Mohamed Salah from 12 yards before producing another decisive stop later in the shootout, swinging momentum firmly in the Super Eagles’ favour.
That proved crucial as Nigeria converted four of their penalties, with Alex Iwobi and Lookman keeping their nerve to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
Nwabali’s composure and authority earned him the Man of the Match award and ensured Nigeria finished the tournament with bronze.
