Penalty Shootout: Nwabali opens up on stopping Salah, Marmoush

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has described his penalty saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as a big boost for him and the entire team.

Speaking at the post-match press conference in Casablanca, the Chippa United shot-stopper said denying two of Egypt’s biggest stars from the spot lifted his spirits and gave Nigeria the edge during the shootout.

He added that he had been watching both Salah and Marmoush for a long time, which helped him read their movements and make the crucial saves.

Nigeria and Egypt had earlier battled to a goalless draw in the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff at the Mohammed V Stadium.

With neither side able to find the back of the net, the match was decided on penalties.

Nwabali then rose to the occasion, producing two decisive saves as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties.

His heroics between the posts proved vital, as he won the most valuable player award capping off a memorable night and earning Nigeria a deserved third-place finish at the tournament.