Nigeria claimed third place at the Africa Cup of Nations following a penalty shoot-out triumph over Egypt, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving twice and Ademola Lookman converting the decisive spot-kick in a 4-2 victory from 12 yards after a goalless draw.
The Super Eagles had two goals ruled out during normal time. Akor Adams saw a 36th-minute deflection disallowed for a foul on Hamdi Fathy in the build-up, while Lookman’s tap-in was chalked off for offside just 18 seconds into the second half. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir kept out Samuel Chukwueze’s header before Adams’ touch beat him, but the referee had already blown. Mohamed Salah forced an early save from Nwabali, yet Nigeria applied sustained pressure without breaking the deadlock.
Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon both tested Shobeir from distance in the closing stages, but neither side could find a breakthrough. The match remained scoreless through 90 minutes, sending the bronze-medal contest to penalties.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Salah each had their opening penalties saved, but Nigeria then converted four in succession. Nwabali denied Omar Marmoush by standing firm down the centre, giving Lookman the opportunity to settle the contest.
Lookman struck his penalty emphatically to hand Nigeria the bronze medal, capping a composed performance from the spot after a frustrating evening in open play.
