The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face familiar rivals Egypt in the third-place play-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as both sides look to end their respective campaigns on a high note, Footynaija.com reports.
Having fallen just short in the semi-finals, Nigeria and Egypt will now lock horns at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca to decide the third best team at this year’s tournament.
While the third-place play-off does not carry the glamour of a final, history suggests that Saturday’s encounter promises to be another compelling chapter in the long-standing rivalry between both sides.
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The Super Eagles come into the third-place play-off off the back of a strong AFCON 2025 campaign that saw them win all five of their matches en route to the semi-finals.
They consistently impressed in front of goal, scoring at least twice in each outing before being held to a goalless draw by hosts Morocco and eventually bowing out on penalties.
Despite the disappointment of that exit, Eric Chelle’s men have shown consistency throughout the tournament, and they will hope to lean on that trait once more.
Egypt’s journey to the last four was also impressive. The Pharaohs went on a six-match unbeaten run at the tournament before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the semi-finals.
While that loss ended their title hopes, the Egyptians remain one of the most experienced sides when it comes to this competition and they will be eager to avoid finishing the tournament empty-handed.
History and head-to-head
Across 21 previous meetings in all competitions, Nigeria hold a slight edge with nine wins to Egypt’s eight, while four encounters have ended in draws.
At the Africa Cup of Nations specifically, the Super Eagles have enjoyed huge success against the Pharaohs, winning five of their last eight meetings at the tournament.
However, Egypt remain the competition’s most successful nation, having lifted the trophy a record seven times, compared to Nigeria’s three.
One area where Nigeria boast a clear advantage is in third-place play-off matches. The Super Eagles have won all seven AFCON bronze-medal matches they have previously contested, a flawless record they will be keen to protect.
Team news
Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey, who is suspended, while there is also uncertainty surrounding Victor Osimhen after head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the striker was carrying an ankle problem that forced him off before the penalty shootout against Morocco.
The major boost for the Super Eagles is the return of Wilfred Ndidi, who is available again after missing the semi-final through suspension. If Osimhen is unable to feature, Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu will likely step in to fill the void.
Egypt, meanwhile, will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid due to suspension, while Mohamed Hamdy is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury earlier in the tournament.
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s leading scorer at the finals with four goals, but the Liverpool forward remains a doubt for Saturday’s game. Should he miss out, Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet are expected to shoulder the attacking burden.
Possible 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
What to expect
With both teams coming off draining semi-final defeats, the contest is likely to be played at a measured tempo, with moments of quality deciding the outcome. Egypt’s experience and quality make them dangerous opponents for any team.
Nigeria, however, will take confidence from their consistency throughout the tournament and their perfect record in third-place play-off matches. That history, combined with their current quality gives the Super Eagles reason to believe they can carry the day.
Match details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Egypt
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Date: Saturday, January 17
Kick-off: 5:00 PM WAT
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Third-place play-off
