Stanley Nwabari denied Mohamed Salah and saved two penalties as Nigeria defeated Egypt to take third place in the 2025 AFCON.
Published January 17, 2026
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabari saved two penalties, including the first from Mohamed Salah, as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 in the penalty shootout to secure third place in the Africa Cup Nations.
Ademola Lookman scored the winning penalty in Saturday’s game.
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After both teams drew 0-0 in regular time, Nwabari saved penalties from Salah and Omar Marmouche at the start of the shootout. No overtime was played for the bronze medal.
It was the second consecutive penalty shootout for the Super Eagles following a goalless draw after Wednesday’s penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals.
Nwabari stopped Salah’s superb penalty with a strong hand and blocked Marmouche’s shot straight into the center with his feet.
Salah was silenced by Nigeria’s defense and was unable to fully add to his 11 goals in the African Cup.
Victor Osimhen remained on Nigeria’s substitute bench, suggesting he had picked up the injury sustained in the semi-final defeat to Morocco. Osimhen was sent off in extra time just before the penalty shootout of that match.
The Super Eagles finished the Africa Cup on a good note, in contrast to the previous edition where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Morocco and Senegal will play the final in Rabat on Sunday. Sadio Mane’s goal helped Senegal advance with a 1-0 victory over Egypt in the semi-finals.
