By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria will look to end their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a positive note when they face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
The Super Eagles are coming off a painful semi-final exit after losing 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless 120 minutes. Despite the disappointment, Nigeria will aim to secure a podium finish against the Pharaohs and maintain their strong tradition in the competition.
Egypt also arrive in the playoff after falling short in the semi-finals, having been defeated by Senegal, a result that ended their bid to extend their record seven AFCON titles.
Nigeria boast the highest number of bronze medals in AFCON history, having won the third-place match eight times. Their most recent bronze came at the 2019 tournament in Egypt, where an Odion Ighalo strike sealed a 1–0 victory over Tunisia. Previous third-place finishes in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010 further underline the Super Eagles’ consistency at the continental level.
Ahead of Saturday’s encounter, Nigeria will be without defender Calvin Bassey, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final loss to Morocco. However, captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to contention after missing that match due to suspension. Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to field a familiar lineup as the team seeks to finish the tournament on a strong note.
Nigeria and Egypt are no strangers at the AFCON, having faced each other 25 times across all competitions, with Saturday’s fixture marking their 10th meeting at the tournament. The Super Eagles hold the edge, recording five wins and two draws. At the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Kelechi Iheanacho scored the lone goal as Nigeria defeated Egypt in a group-stage encounter.
For both sides, the third-place playoff offers a chance for consolation after semi-final disappointment. Victory for Nigeria would extend their record as the most successful bronze medal winners in AFCON history, while Egypt are expected to use the match as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
