Tag: Stanley Nwabali

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AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win bronze

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintain their perfect record in the fixture.

Interim coach named a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his place in goal behind a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the flanks behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.

Nigeria began brightly and created the first opening in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected behind by an Egyptian defender. Both sides then settled into a cagey rhythm with defences on top.

Adams appeared to have given the Eagles the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was cancelled after VAR review showed Onuachu had elbowed a defender in the build-up. The striker was booked for the offence.

The teams went into the break level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward had the ball in the net shortly after the restart, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Alex Iwobi later came on for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but chances remained scarce and the match headed to penalties after regulation time ended in stalemate.

In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali saved Salah’s effort to keep the scores level. Adams converted before Marmoush was also denied by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Simon and Iwobi scored calmly, and after Mahmud Sabir reduced the deficit for Egypt, Lookman sealed victory with the decisive kick.

Nigeria had reached the playoff after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt fell 1-0 to Senegal in their last-four clash.

The Eagles topped Group C with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before beating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt, seven-time champions, progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast before their semi-final defeat.

Saturday’s triumph extended Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in AFCON bronze matches and offered consolation after their near miss in the race for the title. (Punch)

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Nwabali posts cryptic message amid Eagles controversy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has posted a cryptic message on Instagram days after tense on-field clashes with teammates during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic as Maduka Okoye returns from his two-month suspension, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Chippa United stopper wrote on his Instagram story on Friday, “I never fake care anyone. What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart. People change so fast…King VO9.”

The post comes just days after Nwabali was involved in flash incidents with his own teammates during the World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

First, he pushed Wilfred Ndidi, who tried to calm him down after he confronted a Benin player. At half-time, as the players trudged off the pitch, he was seen arguing with Calvin Bassey.

Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick as the three-time African champions secured their place in the continental playoffs, but there were criticisms aimed at Nwabali and some of his antics, especially after his mistakes in a 2-1 win over Lesotho last week.

While a lot of observers called for Nwabali to be dropped, head coach Eric Chelle kept faith with him for the Benin game.

The goalkeeper’s cryptic message has sparked speculation about possible tensions within the squad, though the reference to “King VO9” suggests the post may have been supportive of Osimhen rather than critical.

Nwabali has faced scrutiny in recent months, with his form becoming increasingly erratic. Flashes of his AFCON-era composure have been replaced by inconsistency and avoidable confrontations.

His judgment in high-pressure moments has often been questioned, and several on-field outbursts have only added to concerns about his temperament, though referees’ leniency has spared him disciplinary action.

The 28-year-old tragically lost both parents within a two-month span earlier this year, and he may still be dealing with the emotional toll of those losses.

Meanwhile, Okoye is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Udinese squad after serving a two-month suspension for betting-related offences.

The Düsseldorf-born goalkeeper, who had established himself as a reliable figure in Friuli before his ban, is now being backed to bounce back stronger as the Serie A side resume domestic duties.

Okoye’s return to club action inevitably raises questions about Nigeria’s goalkeeping situation ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff matches in November.

The 25-year-old could offer a calming presence that the Super Eagles have lacked in recent outings. His display against Russia in June, in what was a very intimidating atmosphere inside the Luzhniki Stadium, was a testament to his ability under pressure.

However, Nigeria can ill afford disruption ahead of November’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon. Any shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy would risk unsettling a squad already chasing stability.

The more logical window for such a reassessment would be December’s pre-AFCON camp, when Chelle and his staff will have ample time to evaluate both men closely before making a definitive call. (Punch)