- Egypt vs Nigeria battle for AFCON bronze in Casablanca
- Both teams enter after painful semi-final defeats
- Osimhen and Salah may be rested or sidelined
- Nigeria boast a strong third-place playoff record
Egypt vs Nigeria takes centre stage on Saturday evening in Casablanca as two African giants meet in the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff. Both sides are still hurting from narrow semi-final exits, but pride, momentum and a bronze medal are now on the line as the Pharaohs face the Super Eagles in a clash loaded with history.
Egypt arrived at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations dreaming of an eighth continental crown, but those hopes were crushed by Senegal in the semi-finals. A disciplined performance kept the match level for long spells before Sadio Mané’s late strike ended the Pharaohs’ run.
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Despite mixed displays earlier in the tournament, Hossam Hassan’s team showed growth in the knockout rounds, especially in midfield control and defensive organisation. Still, their inability to respond after conceding proved costly once again.
Nigeria’s journey was just as painful. The Super Eagles were unbeaten heading into their semi-final clash with hosts Morocco, but they were held scoreless for the first time at AFCON 2025. After 120 tense minutes in Rabat, Nigeria’s campaign ended in a penalty shootout defeat.
“We gave everything, but football can be cruel,” a Super Eagles official said after the loss.
Now, Nigeria must regroup quickly, knowing they have historically thrived in third-place playoff matches.
Team News: Egypt vs Nigeria
Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended, while Mohamed Hamdy remains out with a knee injury. With Mohamed Salah possibly rested after a demanding tournament, the attacking responsibility could fall on Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed.
Nigeria also have selection issues. Calvin Bassey is suspended and Cyriel Dessers is ruled out with a thigh injury. The good news is the return of Wilfred Ndidi, who is expected to stabilise the midfield.
Victor Osimhen remains a doubt after an ankle knock, meaning Ademola Lookman could play behind Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.
Expected Line-Ups
Egypt:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy; Marmoush; Trezeguet, Mohamed
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Awaziem, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Onuachu
How to Watch Egypt v Nigeria
The match will be shown live at 17:00 Saturday 17th January
Key Stats
- Nigeria have won all eight AFCON third-place playoff meetings against Egypt
- Egypt lost their semi-final by a single goal
- Nigeria failed to score only once at AFCON 2025
- Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s top scorer with four goals
- Nigeria are unbeaten in nine AFCON third-place matches
Prediction
Egypt 0–1 Nigeria
Nigeria’s history in third-place playoffs gives them the edge. Even without Osimhen at full fitness, the Super Eagles have enough depth and motivation to grind out a narrow win and leave Casablanca with the bronze medal.
