Nigeria Wins Bronze at AFCON in Penalty Shootout Drama

Nigeria walked off the field in Casablanca with their heads held high, turning semifinal heartbreak into a bronze medal celebration at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles faced familiar rivals Egypt on Saturday in the tournament's third place match, a chance for redemption after both teams fell short of the final. Nigeria had lost to hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout, while Egypt was knocked out by Senegal in the semifinals.

What followed was 90 minutes of tense, scoreless football that once again came down to spot kicks. But this time, Nigeria's luck changed dramatically.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stepped up when it mattered most. He dove left to catch Mohamed Salah's opening penalty, sending Egyptian fans into stunned silence. When he saved Egypt's second penalty too, the momentum swung completely in Nigeria's favor.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria's first attempt, but his teammates didn't flinch. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman all converted their penalties with confidence, sealing a 4-1 shootout victory.

The win extends Nigeria's remarkable record in AFCON third place matches. The Super Eagles have now contested this fixture seven times since 1978 and have never lost, claiming bronze in every single appearance.

Why This Inspires

In a tournament that could have ended in disappointment, Nigeria chose to finish strong. Coach Éric Chelle rested star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during regular time, showing trust in his broader squad while managing players after an exhausting campaign.

That trust paid off. Players like Samuel Chukwueze, who missed a crucial penalty against Morocco in the semifinals, got another chance to contribute and help the team leave Morocco with hardware instead of regret.

For Egypt's seven-time champions, the loss stings. But for Nigeria, the bronze medal represents something powerful: the ability to bounce back from setback and turn pain into perseverance.

Stanley Nwabali will return home a hero, and Nigeria adds another chapter to their proud AFCON legacy.