Thunder they say, does not strike twice on the same spot and so it was with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday evening at the Stade Mohamed V Casablanca.
Unlike the semi final loss to Morocco on penalties, on Saturday the Super Eagles were the victors from the spot scoring four to the Pharoah’s of Egypt’s two.
As it had always happened in most continental and global football championships, where the best players most times lose their penalties,two of Egypt’s outstanding players at AFCON Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, became victims of penalties losses.
The victory for the Super Eagles guaranteed the team left Morocco with a shade of medal and a measure of pride after failing to hit the height of 2024 and qualifying for the world cup.
The match began on a cautious note but Nigeria quickly showed flashes of intent, but it was the Egyptians through Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, who almost broke the deadluck within two minutes but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was at alert and thwarted that effort.
The Eagles however gradually came into the game and took control,dictating the pace of the game and forcing the Pharoahs into hurried clearances, even though clear chances were hard to come by.
Sevilla striker Akor Adams found the net in the 36th minute but the celebration was short lived as a VAR review ruled out the goal for a foul by Paul Onuachu in the build-up.
Still, the Super Eagles did not lose focus, maintaining their shape and composure against an Egyptian side featuring stars like Mohamed Salah.
After the break, the introduction of Ademola Lookman, had an immediate impact and changed the colouration of the game as his energy and direct running unsettled the Egyptian defense.
What looked like a goal for Lookman was ruled for offside but the Eagles continued to press for the curtain raiser with Lookman forcing a pair of outstanding saves from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
As the clock ticked down, Nigeria increased the pressure, dominating possession and pinning Egypt back in their own half.
On a number of occasions, the Egyptian keeper, Shobeir stood between the Eagles and goal until the final final whistle and the game went straight into penalties with the Eagles having the last laugh.
Stanley Nwabali’s heroics was enough to earn him the Man-of-the Match award and put Nigeria on the medals standing back- to- back even though it was lower in quality, from silver in 2024 to bronze in 2025.