2025 AFCON Third Place: Nigeria vs Egypt Review
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria will trade tackles with Egypt for bragging rights in the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) third place game at the Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca.
Both sides were denied a spot in the final as they settles for consolation at the third place encounter in Casablanca.
Nigeria will be going into the encounter as the highest scoring side in the 2025 AFCON with 14 goals scored.
In nine AFCON meetings, Eagles have won five times while Egypt have two wins to their name and two matches ended in stalemate.
Nigeria’s journey in the tournament has been impressive, with the Super Eagles topping Group C with three wins and no losses. They crushed Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 and beat Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-final before losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-final.
Egypt, on the other hand, entered the tournament as favorites, seeking a record-extending eighth title. They progressed unbeaten through the group stage, edged Benin 3-1 after extra time in the round of 16, and produced their finest display to overcome title holders Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in the quarter-finals. However, they lost to Senegal 1-0 in the semi-final.
In the third-place match, Nigeria has a strong history, winning the match a record eight times. Egypt will be without Hossam Abdelmaguid, who is suspended, and Mohamed Hamdy, who has a serious knee injury. Nigeria will miss suspended defender Calvin Bassey but Wilfred Ndidi returns from suspension.
Nigeria have won the AFCON third place game a record eight times while the Pharaohs have tasted victory three times in the continental showpiece third place encounters.
Both teams are willing to win their third place game to give compensate their compatriots and fans.
