Egypt and Nigeria will meet in the bronze medal match at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, after both countries suffered disappointments in their semifinal encounters.
SportPremi provides more insight into Saturday’s clash at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with the third-place position to play for.
Match Preview
Egypt suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their semifinal clash, although they could have little complains after a very passive performance. They were content in defending deep and created very little to trouble the Senegalese. However, Sadio Mane’s late strike condemned the record winners to a last four defeat.
The defeat was also their first of the tournament as the Pharaohs had won four of their first five, the only exception being a goalless draw against Angola in their final group game.
It was deja vu for Nigeria once again as they were dumped out of the semifinal clash on penalties by AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco. It was a tactically balanced match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with both teams canceling out each other on the field of play.
The game ended goalless after 120 minutes of action, before the Atlas Lions triumphed on shootout to reach the final, while Nigeria’s wait for a fourth AFCON crown extends beyond 2025. The Super Eagles have been one of the most impressive sides in Morocco and recorded victories in all of their first five matches. The record for the most goals at a single AFCON edition remains in sight and with two goals against Egypt, they would equal Ivory Coast’s tally of 16 at the 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament.
Head to Head
16.12.2025 – Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (International Friendly Match)
11.01.2022 – Nigeria 1-0 Egypt (2021 African Cup of Nations tournament)
26.03.2019 – Nigeria 1-0 Egypt (International Friendly Match)
29.03.2016 – Egypt 1-0 Nigeria (African Cup of Nations qualifier)
25.03.2016 – Nigeria 1-1 Egypt (African Cup of Nations qualifier)
Team News
Egypt
Egypt will miss defender Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is serving a one game suspension following his booking against Senegal in their semifinal clash.
Mohamed Hamdy is also injured and will not participate in the clash.
Predicted Lineups: El Shenawy (GK), Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy, Marmoush, Trezeguet, Salah.
Nigeria
Nigeria are also without Calvin Bassey for the clash, after his contentious yellow card in the semifinal defeat to Morocco.
The Super Eagles will also be without Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu, while they are sweating on the fitness of star striker Victor Osimhen, who came off with a knock in the clash against Morocco.
However, captain Wilfried Ndidi will return to the team having served a one-game suspension in their last outing.
Predicted Lineups: Nwabali (GK), Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Awaziem, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
Players to Watch
Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – The Manchester City forward was very quiet in the clash against Senegal, but will give the Nigerian defence a tough time with his pace, especially in the absence of Bassey.
Chidozie Awaziem (Nigeria) – The defender could get the nod to start in this encounter in place of the suspended Bassey and he has a huge task in keeping the Egypt attack at bay. His battle against Salah and Marmoush will be one to watch out for.
SportPremi Prediction
Egypt 0-2 Nigeria
