Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has openly commended his squad after Nigeria secured victory in the AFCON third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday. Speaking after the match, Chelle described the performance of his players as admirable, noting that they showed total commitment and dedication throughout the encounter. According to the coach, the players’ attitude and effort earned his deep respect. The Malian tactician was on the sidelines as Nigeria clinched the bronze medal following a 4–2 triumph in the penalty shootout against the Egyptian side. The tightly contested fixture produced no goals during regulation time, ending 0–0 after 90 minutes. The match was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero. The shot-stopper made crucial saves, denying efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, which ultimately swung the outcome in Nigeria’s favor. Reacting to the game during his post-match interview, Chelle acknowledged the challenges he faced in working with the team, particularly given his background and coaching approach. “You know it’s not easy when a French guy comes and I was so demanding with them,” Chelle stated. He went on to express pride in his players, emphasizing that their commitment on the pitch left a lasting impression on him. “I’m very proud of them. They gave everything for me, and without doubt, they have earned my respect for life,” he added.
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.
