Egypt vs Nigeria match preview
Fresh from the heartbreak of the 2025 semifinals African Cup of NationsEgypt and Nigeria will return to action on Saturday night in Casablanca for the third place match.
Egypt were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria suffered desperation in the penalty shoot-out against tournament hosts Morocco after a hard-fought semi-final in Rabat.
Egypt came into the tournament aiming to lift a record-extending eighth AFCON title, and although performances were patchy at times, Hossam Hassan’s team showed good progress in the knockout rounds.
That progress was stopped by Senegal in the semifinals. A tight game looked destined for extra time before Sadio Mane scored in the 78th minute, leaving the Pharaohs unable to find a response.
Nigeria also harbored ambitions to go all the way. The Super Eagles were undefeated heading into their semi-final against Morocco and had scored freely throughout the tournament, but failed to find the net in regulation time for the first time at AFCON 2025.
Team news for Egypt-Nigeria
Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Mohamed Hamdy remains sidelined with a serious knee injury suffered earlier in the tournament.
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s top scorer in the finals with four goals, but the Liverpool forward can be rested, giving more responsibility to Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet in the final third.
Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey due to suspension, while Cyriel Dessers is out with a thigh injury. Wilfred Ndidi returns after missing the semi-final and is expected to strengthen the midfield.
Victor Osimhen remains a doubt after suffering an ankle injury against Morocco. If he misses out, Ademola Lookman is likely to operate behind a forward pairing of Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.
Expected lineups for Egypt-Nigeria
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy; marmot; Trézeguet, Mohamed
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Awaziem, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Onuachu
How to watch Egypt v Nigeria: TV channel, online streaming
Egypt-Nigeria will be broadcast live across Africa on SuperSport with coverage beginning shortly before kick-off.
The match will also be available to stream via SuperSport’s online platforms, while international viewers will be able to watch via their local AFCON broadcast partners, subject to regional availability.
UK fans can watch the match on Channel 4, kicking off at 4pm.
Egypt-Nigeria statistics
- Nigeria has won all eight previous AFCON third-place matches against Egypt
- Egypt was eliminated by a single goal in the semifinals against Senegal
- Nigeria failed to score for the first time in the AFCON 2025 semi-final
- Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s top scorer in the tournament with four goals
- Nigeria is undefeated in nine matches for third place in the AFCON
Prediction
While the potential absence of Victor Osimhen reduces Nigeria’s offensive firepower, the Super Eagles have shown throughout the tournament that goals can come from multiple sources.
Given their strong record in the third-place playoffs and Egypt’s disappointment after another semi-final exit, Nigeria look well placed to overcome a tight race and claim the bronze medal in Casablanca.
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