The stage in Casablanca is set for a familiar African football duel as Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Egypt’s Pharaohs in the third-place match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations
While the glitter of the final belongs elsewhere, this encounter carries its own weight, with pride, history and a place on the podium at stake.
Both teams arrive bruised by narrow semi-final defeats.
Nigeria were edged out by hosts Morocco after a tense, goalless draw that ended in a painful penalty shoot-out, while Egypt fell to Senegal in Tangier after a lone strike from Sadio Mane.
For two nations that came to Morocco dreaming of lifting the trophy, Saturday’s game offers a chance to end the tournament on a positive note.
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Nigeria will take confidence from their strong run at the competition. The Super Eagles scored freely in the earlier rounds, remained unbeaten in regulation time and have a proud record in AFCON third-place matches, never losing one.
Egypt, seven-time champions, also have history on their side and will be eager to respond after a disappointing semi-final display.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for the Live updates as Egypt and Nigeria battle it out at the Stade Mohamed V.
Kick-off is set for 5pm.
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has named a reshuffled starting XI for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place match against Egypt, handing Samuel Chukwueze a starting role while key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are rested.
The Super Eagles line up with Stanley Nwabali in goal, protected by a back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi.
The defensive unit blends experience with energy as Nigeria look to end the tournament on a strong note.
In midfield, Raphael Onyedika anchors the side, joined by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon, who wears the captain’s armband.
Despite his penalty miss against Morocco, Chukwueze comes into the starting XI to provide pace and creativity on the flanks, a clear signal of intent against the Pharaohs.
Up front, Paul Onuachu leads the attack, supported by Akor Adams, as Chelle opts to manage the workload of Osimhen and Lookman after an intense run to the semi-finals.
With pride and history at stake in Casablanca, the Super Eagles will aim to finish their Morocco 2025 campaign on a winning note against familiar rivals Egypt.
