Match Preview for Egypt v Nigeria
Fresh off semi-final heartbreak at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and Nigeria return to action on Saturday evening in Casablanca for the third-place playoff.
Egypt were edged out 1-0 by Senegal in the last four, while Nigeria suffered penalty shootout despair against tournament hosts Morocco after a hard-fought semi-final in Rabat.
Egypt arrived at the tournament aiming to lift a record-extending eighth AFCON title, and while performances were inconsistent at times, Hossam Hassan’s side showed good progress in the knockout rounds.
That progress was halted by Senegal in the semi-finals. A tight contest appeared destined for extra time before Sadio Mane struck in the 78th minute, leaving the Pharaohs unable to find a response.
Nigeria also harboured ambitions of going all the way. The Super Eagles were unbeaten heading into their semi-final against Morocco and had scored freely throughout the tournament, but they failed to find the net in normal time for the first time at AFCON 2025.
Team news for Egypt v Nigeria
Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Mohamed Hamdy remains sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s leading scorer at the finals with four goals, but the Liverpool forward may be rested, placing greater responsibility on Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet in the final third.
Nigeria are without Calvin Bassey due to suspension, while Cyriel Dessers is sidelined with a thigh injury. Wilfred Ndidi returns after missing the semi-final and is expected to bolster the midfield.
Victor Osimhen remains a doubt after suffering an ankle injury against Morocco. Should he miss out, Ademola Lookman is likely to operate behind a forward pairing of Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.
Expected line-ups for Egypt v Nigeria
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
How to watch Egypt v Nigeria: TV channel, online stream
Egypt v 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 can watch through their local AFCON broadcast partners, subject to regional availability.
Fans in the UK can watch the game on Channel 4, with kick-off at 4pm.
The stats for Egypt v Nigeria
- Nigeria have won all eight previous AFCON third-place playoff meetings against Egypt
- Egypt were eliminated by a single-goal margin in the semi-finals against Senegal
- Nigeria failed to score for the first time at AFCON 2025 in their semi-final
- Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s top scorer at the tournament with four goals
- Nigeria are unbeaten in nine AFCON third-place matches
Prediction
While Victor Osimhen’s potential absence reduces Nigeria’s attacking firepower, the Super Eagles have shown throughout the tournament that goals can come from multiple sources.
Given their strong historical record in third-place playoffs and Egypt’s disappointment after another semi-final exit, Nigeria look well placed to edge a tight contest and claim the bronze medal in Casablanca.
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