AFCON: Nigeria keeper Nwabali praises team effort after third place finish

Following Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in Casablanca on Saturday, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has attributed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third place match victory to a collective team effort.

Nwabali, who was named Man of the Match, produced two outstanding saves to deny Egypt’s captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush in the victory.

​Speaking after the victory, the Chippa United shot stopper noted that he remained calm under pressure and trusted his instincts during the shootout.

“It was a very difficult match against a great Egyptian team. Both sides were solid and no one wanted to make a mistake.During the penalty shootout, I stayed calm.

I tried to read the takers and trust my instinct. Thankfully, it worked for us.This victory is the result of collective effort. The defenders were incredible, and the entire team stayed united until the very end.”

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali 🇳🇬 speaks after winning MOTM in the Super Eagles’ penalty kick shootout victory over Egypt 🇪🇬 in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 third place match.

Nwabali saved two penalties in the shootout. 🧤🧤#AFCON #SuperEagles #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/3sZn5LuF5I

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) January 17, 2026

The shootout did not begin smoothly for the winners, as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. However, the Super Eagles custodian quickly restored momentum with consecutive saves against Salah and Marmoush.

​Clinical finishes from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman eventually sealed the victory, confirming the Super Eagles’ place on the podium.