Nigeria ended their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a positive note on Saturday night, claiming the bronze medal after edging Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.
After a tense contest finished goalless across 90 minutes, it was once again Stanley Nwabali who stepped forward in the shootout. The Super Eagles goalkeeper produced decisive saves from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, before Ademola Lookman calmly converted Nigeria’s fifth kick to seal the win.
It was a fitting end to a tournament in which Nigeria consistently found ways to stay competitive, even when performances dipped. Head coach Eric Chelle rang the changes for the encounter, handing starts to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Igoh Ogbu, Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika, as the Super Eagles finished among the medals for the second consecutive AFCON, following their silver medal in 2023.
In this final feature of the ratings series, Footy-Africa teamed up with former Nigeria goalkeeper Cornelius Gopar to identify the standout performers and those who struggled to impose themselves against Egypt.
Top performers
Stanley Nwabali – 10.0
A flawless night for Nigeria’s undisputed number one. Egypt barely troubled him during regulation time, but when the pressure peaked in the shootout, Nwabali delivered with authority.
His reads were sharp, his movements assured, and his saves from Salah and Marmoush underlined his growing reputation.
Four clean sheets in knockout matches place him at the top of the tournament’s goalkeeping charts, and he looks increasingly entrenched as Nigeria’s first choice heading towards PAMOJA 2027.
Nwabali the hero as Nigeria edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze
Semi Ajayi – 9.0
An assured and commanding display from the centre-back, who stepped up admirably in the absence of Calvin Bassey. Semi Ajayi led the defensive line with confidence, timing his tackles well and staying alert to Egypt’s attacking threats.
Whether dealing with Salah, Marmoush or Mostafa Mohamed, he rarely looked troubled and brought calm to Nigeria’s backline throughout the evening.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 8.0
Delivered exactly what was required at left back. Bruno Onyemaechi stayed disciplined against Salah, limiting his space and influence, while also contributing positively in possession.
His timely interventions and willingness to support attacks on the overlap helped Nigeria maintain balance. It was another encouraging performance that strengthens his case as a long-term solution in the position.
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Worst performers
Moses Simon – 6.5
Converted his penalty, but it did little to mask an underwhelming display. Moses Simon struggled to find his rhythm, with his deliveries into the box often lacking accuracy.
He found it difficult to impact the game in the final third and endured what was arguably his quietest outing of the tournament.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.0
A difficult evening for the midfielder, who never quite settled into the role assigned to him. He struggled to influence Nigeria’s attacking play and looked uncomfortable in possession.
His contribution improved defensively after being shifted to right back following Bright Osayi-Samuel’s substitution, but overall it was a performance short of expectations.
Akor Adams – 6.0
Like Simon, Akor Adams scored from the spot but laboured through much of the contest.
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The disallowed goal appeared to affect his confidence, and his movement lacked the sharpness shown earlier in the competition. Fatigue may have played a role, but it was not his most effective showing.
