The Super Eagles of Nigeria have claimed the bronze medal of AFCON ’25 following a 4-2 win over Egypt on penalties.
Ademola Lookman scored the winning kick but Nwabali provided the platform with two saves in the shootout.
Following defeat in their semi-finals, both sides ringed the changes, and for Nigeria, there was no Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi in the starting 11.
Nigeria had the ball in the net via a combination of Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu, but the goal was cancelled following a VAR review that showed Onuachu had elbowed an Egyptian defender before tucking home.
The 6ft striker also got a yellow card for the incident, as both sides went into the break level.
The second half took similar shape with both sides showing much endeavor but no final product, with Nigeria going closest through Raphael Onyedika’s tame shot from outside the area.
The final whistle ushered in penalty shootout, where Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening kick saved, but Nwabali responded with crucial stops to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Mammoush. Nigeria converted her other four penalties, with Lookman coolly converting the winning kick to hand Nigeria some succor from their semi-final loss via same shootout.
It is Nigeria’s first shootout triumph in three attempts, and also sealed a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal.
