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Nigeria, Egypt renew classic rivalry for AFCON bronze
For Nigeria and Egypt, tomorrow’s 2025 AFCON third-place playoff in Casablanca offers a final opportunity to transform semi-final heartbreak into continental recognition. Two of Africa’s most storied football nations meet once again, with pride, momentum and history all at stake, writes TUNDE LIADI.
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow, January 17, at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time).
The fixture follows contrasting but equally painful semi-final exits on Wednesday. Nigeria were eliminated by hosts Morocco after a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 4–2 following a tense 0–0 draw across regulation and extra time. Morocco dominated attacking phases, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Stanley Nwabali, whose goalkeeping kept the Super Eagles in contention for 120 minutes.
Nigeria’s attacking threats, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found chances limited by Morocco’s compact defensive shape, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui exerted strong influence at both ends of the pitch. In the shootout, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted for Nigeria, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Earlier in Tangier, Egypt bowed out after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal. Sadio Mané’s 78th-minute strike separated the sides in a contest dominated by Senegal’s possession, with the Pharaohs defending stoutly but offering little threat in attack.
Nigeria arrived in Morocco as one of the tournament favourites and delivered a commanding group-stage performance, winning all three matches and scoring eight goals. Defensive issues surfaced early, but Eric Chelle’s side tightened up impressively in the knockout rounds.
A 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16 was followed by a disciplined 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria, where Nigeria showcased tactical balance and control. Although they fell short against Morocco, the Super Eagles’ overall campaign has reaffirmed their status among Africa’s elite.
On the other hand, Egypt’s tournament has been built on structure and resilience. The Pharaohs topped their group with two wins and a draw, scoring three goals and conceding just once. They needed extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16 before edging Ivory Coast 3–2 in the quarter-finals, with Mohamed Salah once again delivering at a crucial moment.
However, their semi-final loss to Senegal highlighted familiar attacking limitations, setting up a third-place playoff that offers consolation rather than celebration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey, suspended after receiving a booking in the semi-final. Midfield general Wilfred Ndidi returns from suspension while Victor Osimhen’s fitness will be assessed after he was withdrawn late against Morocco.
Egypt may rotate slightly, with Trezeguet fit again, though Mohamed Hamdi remains doubtful. Despite subdued semi-final displays, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are expected to lead the line.
Tactically, Nigeria are likely to press higher and use wide combinations through Lookman, while Egypt will aim to remain compact and strike on the break through Salah.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: NIGERIA VS. EGYPT
1 Jan.1960: Nigeria 2–1 Egypt
24 Nov.1963: Nigeria 3–6 Egypt
14 Jan.1973:Nigeria 4–0 Egypt
14 Mar.1976:Nigeria 3–2 Egypt
8 Oct.1977 :Nigeria 4–0 Egypt
21 Oct.1977:Egypt 3–1 Nigeria
15 Mar.1980:Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
20 Feb.1983:Nigeria 1–1 Egypt
14 Mar.1984:Nigeria 2–2 Egypt
20 Mar.1988:Egypt 0–0 Nigeria
5 Mar.1990:Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
30 Mar.1994:Egypt 0–0 Nigeria
21 Sep.1995:Egypt 1–0 Nigeria
25 Nov.2002:Nigeria 1–1 Egypt
12 Jan.2010: Egypt 3–1 Nigeria
12 Apr.2012:Egypt 3–2 Nigeria
25 Mar.2016:Nigeria 1–1 Egypt
29 Mar.2016:Egypt 1–0 Nigeria
26 Mar.2019:Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
11 Jan.2022:Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
16 Jan.2026:Egypt 2-1 Nigeria
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