The two defeated semi-finalists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and Nigeria, meet in Casablanca with the bronze medal on offer, as both sides look to salvage pride after falling just short of the final.
Match News & Current Form
Egypt’s long wait for an eighth AFCON title — and a first since 2010 — will continue after their narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat to Senegal. That result sent the Pharaohs into the third-place playoff for the first time since 1984, with their last victory in this fixture dating back to 1974.
Despite the disappointment, Egypt can still view AFCON 2025 as progress, having improved on their round-of-16 exit in 2023. The loss to Senegal ended a six-game unbeaten run (W5, D1), a sequence that notably began with a 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria, offering hope that Hossam Hassan’s side could sign off their campaign with a morale-boosting victory.
Nigeria, meanwhile, had looked every inch tournament favourites before their semi-final clash with hosts Morocco, where they were eliminated on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes. Prior to that setback, the Super Eagles had been ruthless, winning all five previous matches and scoring at least twice in each, underlining their attacking pedigree.
With a chance to secure their first AFCON bronze medal since 2019, history strongly favours Nigeria. They boast a perfect record in seven previous third-place playoffs, while their broader recent form — nine wins from their last 13 matches (D1, L3) — further strengthens their case.
Head-to-Head History
While Nigeria have won just two of the last nine meetings between the sides (D3, L4), they have enjoyed greater success in this competition, claiming victory in five of the last eight AFCON head-to-heads (D2, L1).
Hot Stats & Trends
- Egypt have scored no more than once in 90 minutes in four of their last five AFCON matches.
- The Pharaohs have failed to score in four of the last five AFCON meetings with Nigeria.
- All four goals conceded by Nigeria at AFCON 2025 came after half-time.
- Nigeria scored two or more second-half goals in four of their last five AFCON matches.
Key Players to Watch & Absentees
Egypt winger Omar Marmoush often plays a decisive role later in games, with seven of his last eight international goals arriving as the second goal of the match.
For Nigeria, Akor Adams has been a reliable impact presence, scoring in two of the Super Eagles’ three knockout games, both after the break. Remarkably, eight of his last nine goals for club or country have come in the second half.
In terms of availability, Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended. Nigeria welcome back Wilfred Ndidi from suspension, though Victor Osimhen remains a doubt, potentially leaving the attacking burden to the supporting cast.
