Stanley Nwabali Heroics Earn Him Man of the Match in Nigeria’s AFCON Third-Place Win

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was named Man of the Match after Nigeria secured a 4-2 victory on penalties over Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.

The encounter ended 0-0 after regulation time, leaving the game to be decided from the penalty spot. Nwabali rose to the occasion, saving two critical penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, guiding Nigeria to a memorable win.

The Chippa United custodian becomes the fifth Nigerian player to receive the Man of the Match award at this year’s AFCON finals. Earlier recipients include Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika during the group stage, with Lookman shining again in the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique and Victor Osimhen earning the accolade in the quarter-finals versus Algeria.

Opinion: Nwabali’s Rise and Nigeria’s Resilience

Nwabali’s performance is a testament to Nigeria’s depth and resilience at this tournament. Stepping up in such high-pressure moments, especially against a world-class talent like Mohamed Salah, not only highlights his composure but also reminds us that goalkeeping can make or break knockout matches.

While the Super Eagles fell short in the semi-final against Morocco, the victory over Egypt and Nwabali’s heroics serve as a positive note for the team’s future. With young talents like Nwabali stepping up, Nigeria’s goalkeeper position looks promising for upcoming competitions. This match proves that sometimes, heroes are made in moments of pressure, and Nwabali seized his opportunity brilliantly.