By Mark Gleeson in Casablanca.
Nigeria secured third place at the Africa Cup of Nations, edging Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in Saturday’s bronze medal match.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made two saves from Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to set up Nigeria’s success in the shootout at Casablanca’s Stade Mohamed V.
Nigeria had the ball in Egypt’s net twice but the efforts from Paul Onauchu in the first half and Ademola Lookman after the break were ruled out.
Onauchu’s was disallowed because he had elbowed Egypt defender Hamdi Fathy in the face, which was confirmed after a VAR check.
Lookman, who come on as a halftime substitute, had his effort chalked off for offside.
As the tournament now turns its attention to Sunday’s final between Morocco and Senegal, Nigeria once again leave the Africa Cup of Nations with history intact — reaffirmed as Africa’s undisputed kings of the bronze-medal match.