Nwabali: “Salah Was the One I Was Targeting” as Nigeria Win AFCON Bronze
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali played a decisive role as Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties to win the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The third-place match ended goalless after 90 minutes, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. The game went straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Despite Nigeria’s recent struggles in penalty shoot-outs, Nwabali was confident when Egypt stepped up. He saved the first two penalties, including a spot kick from Mohamed Salah, giving Nigeria a clear advantage.
Nigeria’s penalty takers then delivered, as Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all converted their kicks to seal the victory.
Speaking after the match, Nwabali said the saves meant a lot to him, especially against players he had watched for years.
“The penalty saves will boost me a lot,” Nwabali said.
“These guys, I always watch them a lot in the Premier League, so it’s really going to boost me.”
He admitted that stopping Salah was his main focus during the shoot-out.
“Salah was the one I was targeting, so it was nice for me,” he added.
Nwabali’s save against Salah proved to be the turning point as Nigeria secured the bronze medal and finished the AFCON 2025 tournament on a high note.
