African heavyweights Egypt and Nigeria clash on Saturday in the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff, with pride, momentum, and history on the line at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
Though neither side reached the final, this encounter still carries weight as both teams look to end their Morocco campaign on a high.
MATCH PREVIEW
Both Egypt and Nigeria arrived at AFCON 2025 as title favourites. Their journeys fell short in the semi-finals, but their overall performances have remained impressive.
Egypt suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal, undone late by Sadio Mané. The Pharaohs were disciplined and well-organised defensively, yet struggled to create enough chances despite the presence of Mohamed Salah. With three previous third-place finishes (1963, 1970, 1974), Egypt will be eager to avoid closing the tournament with back-to-back losses.
Nigeria, on the other hand, endured heartbreak against hosts Morocco, losing on penalties after a goalless draw. Before that semi-final, the Super Eagles were the tournament’s most dangerous attacking side, scoring 14 goals, only to be shut down by a compact Moroccan defence.
Notably, Nigeria have won the AFCON third-place playoff a record eight times, a pedigree that could fuel confidence despite recent disappointment.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Encounters between Egypt and Nigeria are traditionally tight and tactical.
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Egypt have won 4 of the last 7 meetings
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Draws: 1 | Nigeria wins: 2
AFCON clashes between the two often hinge on midfield control rather than open attacking play.
TEAM NEWS
EGYPT
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Mohamed Hamdi remains doubtful after missing the semi-final
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Mohanad Lasheen could feature in midfield
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Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet are expected to spearhead the attack
NIGERIA
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Calvin Bassey is suspended (yellow-card accumulation)
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Victor Osimhen is expected to miss out due to injury
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Akor Adams or Paul Onuachu may lead the line
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Squad rotation is likely from coach Eric Chelle
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Egypt:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Awaziem, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Onuachu
DATE, VENUE & KICKOFF
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Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
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Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco
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Kick-off: 5:00 PM GMT (Nigeria)
With both teams emotionally drained and missing key players, a cautious contest is expected. Egypt’s experience and recent head-to-head edge could tilt the balance slightly, but Nigeria’s depth and strong third-place history remain significant factors.
Prediction: Egypt 1–1 Nigeria
(Egypt to edge it narrowly, possibly on penalties)
