2025 AFCON third-place playoff: Egypt vs Nigeria preview
Egypt and Nigeria face off on Saturday at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, with both sides targeting the bronze medal after missing out on the AFCON 2025 final.
Touted as pre-tournament favourites, neither team can afford a second consecutive defeat, making this playoff a high-stakes encounter.
Match context and stakes
Both the Pharaohs and Super Eagles arrive wounded from semifinal exits and are under pressure to salvage credibility.
Beyond the medal, this fixture is about narrative control—ending the tournament with momentum rather than regret.
Kick-off time and broadcast details
The third-place match will be played on Saturday at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca. Broadcast details will be available on AFCON’s official TV partners, including Supersport.
Egypt team news and possible XI
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has no suspension concerns but may be without Pyramids defender Mohamed Hamdi, who is a doubt due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, the squad remains largely intact and experienced.
Egypt possible XI:
El Shenawy; Rabia, Ibrahim, Fatouh, Hany; Attia, Fathy, Abdelmaguid; Ashour, Marmoush, Salah.
Nigeria team news and possible XI
Nigeria welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi after suspension, a significant boost in midfield leadership.
However, Calvin Bassey is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Cyriel Dessers is ruled out with an ankle injury.
Nigeria possible XI:
Nwabali; Ogbu, Ajayi, Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Adams, Lookman; Osimhen.
Form guide and tactical outlook
Egypt’s 1-0 semifinal loss to Senegal marked their first defeat of the tournament and only their second game without a win, following a goalless draw against Angola in the group stage. That record suggests resilience, but also vulnerability.
Nigeria’s perfect tournament record ended in the semifinals with a penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco after a 0-0 draw.
Crucially, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten in regulation time, a statistic that reinforces their defensive structure and tournament discipline.
Nigeria’s north African run
This will be Nigeria’s fourth clash against North African opposition in Morocco. They defeated Tunisia 3-2 in the group stage, overcame Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals, before falling to Morocco on penalties. Egypt now represent the final test in that regional gauntlet.
Recent AFCON head-to-head record
Nigeria hold a slight edge over Egypt in recent AFCON meetings, particularly in decisive matches.
January 11, 2022: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt (AFCON 2021)
January 12, 2010: Egypt 3-1 Nigeria (AFCON 2010)
March 30, 1994: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON 1994)
March 5, 1990: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt (AFCON 1990)
March 20, 1988: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON 1988)
