Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has expressed his relief following Nigeria’s victory over Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place match, despite his missed penalty in the shootout, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria secured a record ninth bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming the North African giants at the Mohamed V Stadium on Saturday.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout in accordance with CAF regulations.
Lazio star Dele-Bashiru was the first to step up for Nigeria, but his effort was thwarted by Egyptian goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir.
Fortunately, his blushes were saved by Stanley Nwabali, who produced two vital stops while the remaining Nigerian penalty takers all converted their chances.
Had the Super Eagles lost, Dele-Bashiru might have faced significant backlash, despite having successfully converted his penalty during the semifinal shootout against Morocco.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇪🇬(2)0–0(4)🇳🇬
Nigeria finish third in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/WBqprrwCxv
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2026
Speaking after the game, the midfielder admitted he had volunteered to take the first penalty, confident in his ability to find the net.
However, he ultimately chalked the miss up to bad luck, stating he was simply happy the team triumphed in the end.
What Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Said About His Penalty Miss
Speaking after the game, the midfielder admitted he had volunteered to take the first penalty, confident in his ability to find the net.
However, he ultimately chalked the miss up to bad luck, noting that he was simply happy the team triumphed in the end.
“It was my decision. It takes a lot of confidence to step up first to take a penalty, and I'm a confident player, I believed in myself that I was going to score,” Dele-Bashiru told Elegbete TV.
“But of course sometimes, some things go your way, some things don't go your way. I'm just happy in the end that the team got the job done.”
The penalty shootout victory was important for Nigeria, as the team had lost their previous two. That will give them a big confidence booster moving forward.
