Fresh from crushing semi-final exits at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and Nigeria return to action on Saturday with pride and bronze medals at stake in the third-place playoff.
Egypt suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal, while Nigeria endured further heartbreak as they were edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties after a tense goalless draw in Rabat. With title dreams dashed, both heavyweights must now refocus for one final push to end their campaigns on a positive note.
Match Preview
Egypt entered AFCON 2025 with clear ambitions of securing a record-extending eighth continental crown, their first since 2010. While performances fluctuated, Hossam Hassan’s men showed resilience when it mattered—overcoming Benin 3-1 after extra time in the round of 16 before producing arguably their best display in a 3-2 quarter-final victory over Ivory Coast.
However, the Pharaohs were unable to scale their toughest test yet in the semi-finals. Just as the contest with Senegal appeared destined for extra time, Sadio Mané’s thunderous 78th-minute strike proved decisive, leaving Mohamed El Shenawy helpless and Egypt without a response.
That loss shattered Egypt’s title hopes—and those of talisman Mohamed Salah—but the North Africans will be determined to regroup and claim third place.
Nigeria Chase Familiar Consolation
Historically, Nigeria dominate third-place playoff fixtures, boasting a perfect record in eight previous matches of this kind. Yet like Egypt, the Super Eagles arrived at AFCON 2025 targeting ultimate glory, only to be denied in dramatic fashion.
Their semi-final clash with Morocco marked the first time Nigeria failed to score at the tournament. Despite contentious refereeing decisions, they pushed the Atlas Lions all the way to penalties. A missed opportunity to take control of the shootout—after Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort—proved costly.
Misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi handed Morocco the advantage, and Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive penalty to send the hosts into the final.
Nigeria now enter the playoff match keen to channel their frustration into one last strong performance and extend their unbeaten run in third-place matches to nine games.
Recent AFCON Form
Egypt: W W D W W L
Nigeria: W W W W W L
Team News
Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Mohamed Hamdy remains sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained against Benin.
Salah leads Egypt’s scoring charts with four goals, but his availability remains uncertain. Should the Liverpool star sit out, attacking responsibility will fall to Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet.
Nigeria also face selection headaches. Calvin Bassey is suspended following his booking against Morocco, while Cyriel Dessers is ruled out with a thigh injury. The Super Eagles are boosted by the return of Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the semi-final through suspension.
Star striker Victor Osimhen remains a doubt after being withdrawn with an ankle injury against Morocco. If unavailable, Nigeria are expected to rely on Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu, with Ademola Lookman operating just behind them.
Possible Starting Lineups
Egypt:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy; Marmoush; Trezeguet, Mostafa Mohamed
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Awaziem, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Onuachu
Prediction
Nigeria’s attacking threat may be reduced if Osimhen misses out, but the Super Eagles have shown depth and resilience throughout the tournament. Their strong historical record in third-place playoffs could once again tilt the balance.
Prediction: Egypt 0-1 Nigeria
