Man of the Match Honour Brings Joy to Nwabali

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shared his excitement after being named Man of the Match following Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Egypt in the third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria secured victory via penalties after both teams failed to find the net during regulation time, with the encounter ending goalless at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday. The shootout ended 4-2 in favour of the Super Eagles, largely due to Nwabali’s outstanding performance between the posts.

The Chippa United goalkeeper delivered a decisive display by stopping two Egyptian penalties during the shootout. His crucial saves played a key role in ensuring Nigeria claimed a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal, further strengthening the country’s legacy in the competition.

Speaking after the match, the 29-year-old dedicated the individual honour to Nigerians and his teammates, acknowledging their unwavering support and collective effort throughout the tournament.

He expressed gratitude to the fans who turned out in large numbers to cheer the team, noting that their encouragement served as a major source of motivation during the tense encounter. According to Nwabali, the award belonged not only to him but also to everyone who stood behind the team.

The goalkeeper also praised his fellow players, describing them as deserving of recognition due to their commitment and hard work. He emphasized that their unity and dedication were instrumental in achieving the result, especially in a match that required mental strength and resilience.

Nwabali’s impact in the shootout was particularly significant, as he denied penalties from Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush, sealing Nigeria’s flawless record in AFCON third-place playoff matches.

Reflecting on the overall outcome, he admitted that finishing third was not the team’s primary objective at the start of the tournament. However, he maintained that securing the bronze medal remained a positive achievement, stressing the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the final, the goalkeeper expressed satisfaction with the night’s result, highlighting the value of ending the campaign on a strong note and giving Nigerian supporters something to celebrate.