The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face longtime rivals Egypt on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with both teams aiming to salvage pride and finish strongly in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00pm Nigerian time.
Both nations arrive at this playoff after enduring heartbreaking semi-final defeats earlier in the week. Nigeria’s impressive and previously unblemished run at the tournament came to an end against host nation Morocco in a tightly contested encounter. The match was short on clear-cut chances, with the Super Eagles registering just two attempts over 120 minutes. After a disciplined but goalless draw, Nigeria were eventually edged out 4–2 in a penalty shootout, bringing a cruel conclusion to a game defined by defensive organisation and tactical caution.
Egypt, meanwhile, fell narrowly to Senegal in their own semi-final clash in Tangier. A late strike from Sadio Mané proved decisive, condemning the seven-time AFCON champions to a 1–0 defeat and denying them a place in the final.
Despite the disappointment, Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has called on his players to quickly shift focus and approach the third-place match with determination, stressing the importance of ending the competition on a positive note. On the Egyptian side, coach Hossam Hassan views the tournament as a crucial phase in his team’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where the Pharaohs are drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.
Saturday’s encounter will also showcase two of the tournament’s most lethal attackers. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen have each scored four goals so far, leaving them just one strike behind current top scorer Brahim Díaz. Their duel could prove decisive in a match where individual brilliance may tip the balance.
Historically, this will mark the 10th AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Egypt. The Super Eagles claimed a 1–0 victory the last time both sides met at the tournament, during the group stage of the 2021 edition. Nigeria also hold an impressive record in AFCON third-place playoffs, having won all eight previous matches they have contested in this category.
Head-to-Head Record
Overall Meetings:
- Played: 20
- Nigeria: 8 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses (29 goals scored, 24 conceded)
- Egypt: 6 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses (24 goals scored, 29 conceded)
AFCON Meetings Only:
- Played: 9
- Nigeria: 5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses
- Egypt: 2 wins, 2 draws, 5 losses
Nigeria have won the last two AFCON-related encounters between the sides, both by identical 1–0 scorelines, including their 2021 group-stage victory.
However, Egypt claimed bragging rights in the most recent overall meeting, a friendly played on 16 December 2025. Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring in the 28th minute, while Mostafa Mohamed added a second after the interval. Nigeria’s Chidozie Awaziem pulled one back in stoppage time of the first half, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
Nigeria’s last friendly win over Egypt came in Asaba in 2019, ending a seven-match winless streak against the Pharaohs and marking their first victory over them in 29 years, dating back to the 1990 AFCON.
Team News
Egypt will be boosted by the availability of forward Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, who returned from injury to feature against Senegal and is expected to be involved again. Mohamed Hamdi missed the semi-final due to fitness issues and remains doubtful, while Hossam Abdelmaguid is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Mohamed Hamdy is still sidelined as he recovers from a serious knee injury. Hossam Hassan is likely to retain much of his previous lineup, with only minor adjustments expected due to fatigue.
Nigeria, on the other hand, welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi after he served a suspension in the semi-final. Defender Calvin Bassey will miss the match after picking up a booking that ruled him out. There are also concerns over Victor Osimhen’s fitness after he was substituted during extra time against Morocco, appearing to struggle physically. Ryan Alebiosu has been managing minor fitness issues, while striker Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn from the squad due to an ankle injury.
Where to Watch
Fans can watch the AFCON 2025 third-place match between Nigeria and Egypt live on CAF TV, Channel 4, NTA Sports and SuperSport.
As two of Africa’s football heavyweights meet once again, Saturday’s clash promises intensity, quality and a final chance for both sides to leave Morocco with their heads held high.
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