AFCON 2025: Stanley Nwabali Sends Cryptic Message After Penalty Heroics vs Egypt
- Stanley Nwabali has reacted after helping Nigeria win the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- Nwabali saved two penalties from Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the shootout
- The goalkeeper went through the knockout stages without conceding after letting in four in the group stage
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has spoken after his penalty heroics helped Nigeria win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal in Morocco, on January 17.
Nwabali was Nigeria’s hero when they faced their second penalty shootout at the tournament, saving from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Source: Getty Images
Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman converted their penalties to give Nigeria victory and a record ninth bronze medal.
According to NFF, the Chippa United goalkeeper was named the man of the match for his heroics in the third-place match, and finished the knockout stage without conceding.
Nwabali reacts after penalty heroics
Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Nwabali took to his X page with a cryptic post after helping his team in a crucial match at AFCON 2025.
“A bad game does not make you a bad player,” he wrote.
It is unclear who or what the goalkeeper was referring to, but his performances at AFCON have nailed his spot as the first-choice despite calls for him to be dropped before the tournament.
Nwabali overcame a hand injury to barely make it to AFCON, and proved why Eric Chelle stuck with him despite some questionable outings before the tournament.
Nwabali, speaking to CAF media during the post-match conference, explained how he was able to save two penalty kicks and applauded his teammates for their performance.
“It was a very difficult match against a great Egyptian team. Both sides were solid and no one wanted to make a mistake. During the penalty shootout, I stayed calm. I tried to read the takers and trust my instinct. Thankfully, it worked for us,” he said.
“This victory is the result of collective effort. The defenders were incredible, and the entire team stayed united until the very end.”
Source: Getty Images
Nigerians praised the Chippa United star for his heroics and urged him to keep getting better in between the sticks for the Super Eagles.
@GideonToba wrote:
“We love you Stanley Nwabali, thanks for all you do. We hope you keep getting better and learn from your mistakes, great job with the penalties!”
@shimataver wrote:
“@NGSuperEagles first choice undisputed. No competition. Position earned and secured. The evidence choke.”
@dami_mastermind wrote:
“Stanley Nwabali is here to stay mehn! I don’t see anyone taking the number 1 from him anytime soon. You’ve cemented your #1”
@neche_rm wrote:
“You did absolutely well and amazing. I was surprised when you used your leg to kick the ball during the penalty shootout.”
Eric Chelle reacts after Nigeria's win
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle reacted after the Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Pharaohs of Egypt to win the bronze medal at AFCON 2025.
The manager applauded his players and admitted that it would have been difficult to continue as the head coach if the team had lost against Egypt.
Source: Legit.ng
