Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, has highlighted three things he did that made him emerge the hero of their third place match against Egypt at the 2025 AFCON.
“I stayed calm, read the takers and trusted my instincts. Thankfully, it worked for us,” he said.
He, however, described Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 bronze medal win as. a product of collective effort after his penalty saves sealed victory over Egypt.
Nwabali was named Man of the Match, after saving two penalties in Nigeria’s 4–2 shootout win over Egypt.
NAN reports that the AFCON 2025 third-place play-off ended goalless in regulation time, before penalties decided the bronze medal.
Nwabali described the encounter as tense, with both teams determined to avoid costly errors.
“It was a very difficult match against a great Egyptian team; Nobody wanted to make a mistake,” he said.
The goalkeeper said that composure was key during the shootout.
He credited teamwork and defensive discipline for Nigeria’s success.
“This victory came from collective effort. The defenders were incredible, and everyone stayed united,” he noted.
Nwabali said that individual recognition was secondary to the team’s achievement.
“Being Man of the Match feels good, but winning the bronze medal for Nigeria matters more,” he said.
The goalkeeper praised the team’s resilience after earlier disappointment in the tournament.
“We had setbacks, but we stayed focused and believed in ourselves until the end,” Nwabali added.
NAN reports that Nigeria finished AFCON Morocco 2025, on the podium, with Nwabali’s heroics proving decisive.
