Egypt and Nigeria meet for the bronze medal at AFCON 2025, and there is nothing small about it. Two giants of African football, rich with history and pride, will try to end their journeys on a high in Casablanca. The stakes are clear: finish strong, steady the mood back home, and carry momentum into a busy year ahead.

The third-place playoff kicks off on January 16, 2026 at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca (17:00 local time, 16:00 GMT). It is the final stop for two teams that pushed deep into the tournament but came up short in the semifinals—Egypt to Senegal, Nigeria to hosts Morocco.

How they got here: near misses and narrow margins

Egypt were edged 1-0 by Senegal on Wednesday, undone by a late strike from Sadio Mane in the 78th minute. It was a bitter finish after the Pharaohs had done so much right across the month. They went unbeaten in the group stage, beat Benin 3-1 after extra time in the round of 16, and then outlasted Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal.

Nigeria, meanwhile, were the most free-scoring side of the tournament before the last four, piling up 14 goals. Their semifinal was a different kind of test: tight, physical, and tense. After 120 minutes without a goal, the Super Eagles lost to Morocco on penalties. That sting can cut two ways—frustration or fuel. Most signs point to fuel.

“Bronze is not the trophy they came for, but it’s still a trophy—and a statement.”

History and the weight of the bronze

Few teams own the third-place game like Nigeria. The Super Eagles have never lost a bronze medal match at AFCON, winning eight out of eight. That is a streak that carries real belief into Casablanca.

Egypt’s third-place record is less clear. One official source lists the Pharaohs as perfect in seven third-place games, while another puts them at three wins and three losses. What is not in doubt is Egypt’s crown as the continent’s most decorated side: seven AFCON titles, the last in 2010.

Head-to-head, these two know each other well. There have been 12 AFCON meetings; Egypt have three wins, Nigeria five, and three draws. In recent memory, Nigeria beat Egypt 1-0 in the 2021 group stage, but Egypt took a friendly 2-1 on December 16, 2025. This rivalry always travels with a twist.

Team news: absences, returns, and one key star

Egypt will be without defender Hossam Abdelmaguid due to suspension. Left-back Mohamed Hamdy is out for a long spell after a knee injury in the win over Benin. The good news is huge: Mohamed Salah will play before returning to Liverpool, confirmed by his club manager, Arne Slot. Around him, Hossam Hassan can lean on Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, and Trezeguet to share the load.

Nigeria also have choices to make. Defender Calvin Bassey is suspended, and striker Cyriel Dessers is injured. There is a boost in midfield, though, as Wilfred Ndidi returns from suspension. His presence should add balance and calm to a side that has created chances all tournament.

• Egypt out: Hossam Abdelmaguid (suspension), Mohamed Hamdy (knee)
• Egypt key men: Mohamed Salah (4 goals), Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Trezeguet
• Nigeria out: Calvin Bassey (suspension), Cyriel Dessers (injury)
• Nigeria boost: Wilfred Ndidi (returns from suspension)

“If Salah starts hot, Egypt’s attack changes in one pass.”

Form guide and key numbers to watch

Numbers tell their own story here. Nigeria’s 14 goals point to a team that arrives in the box often and with intent. Even with a couple of attacking absences, they have match-winners across the front line and from midfield. Egypt’s edge is star power and control. Salah sits on four goals and is chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot. He bends games to his will, and his next big moment could decide bronze.

There is also the emotional side. Nigeria lost the 2023 AFCON final and then missed the 2026 World Cup, making this bronze a stage to reset the tone and show resilience. Egypt have chased an eighth AFCON crown for years; while this is not the title, it is still a podium and a platform.

Tactics: where this playoff could be won

This game may swing on the flanks and in transition. Without Bassey, Nigeria’s back line must manage Salah’s runs inside, plus the direct threat from Marmoush. Ndidi’s return is vital: he screens space, breaks up counters, and helps Nigeria play forward faster.

For Egypt, set-pieces and quick switches to Salah could be the plan. Mostafa Mohamed’s hold-up play will matter. If Egypt pin Nigeria deep, Trezeguet’s movement into the box can find second balls. On the other side, Nigeria will look to break at pace. Their 14-goal haul shows they get numbers into the area. One clean move can change the mood of a bronze match.

“Nigeria own the bronze game—eight wins from eight. Pressure or power-up?”

Managers, mindset, and the moment

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has spoken about limited prep time for the semi. Here, he gets a quick chance to respond. Keep it tight, trust Salah, and lean on tournament craft—that is the likely message.

Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has called for his team to “go out with a bang.” After the heartbreak of penalties, that energy can be a spark. This is the last 90 minutes of AFCON 2025 for both sides; hunger and focus should decide the final 10 minutes when legs get heavy.

The officials and the fine details

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will take charge, with assistants Zakaria Brinsi, Akarkad Mostafa, and Hassani. The venue is the famed Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, a place built for big nights and loud finishes. Kickoff is 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

Predictions and what to expect

Some analysts lean Nigeria by a goal, pointing to their perfect bronze record and broader spread of scorers. Others note Egypt’s ability to control games and the Salah factor. The safe bet is a tight match that opens up late. If it reaches penalties, Nigeria carry a confidence edge from their third-place history, even after the semifinal shootout loss.

Either way, this is not a consolation friendly. It is a podium game between two African heavyweights. The winner goes home with a medal, momentum, and a message to the continent: we will be back for gold.

Bottom line

Egypt’s hunt for pride and Nigeria’s bronze streak collide in Casablanca. Watch for Salah’s magic, Ndidi’s balance, and a big moment from someone brave enough to take this match by the scruff. The bronze is there for the team that wants it more when it matters most.