AFCON 2025: Egypt vs. Nigeria Third-Place Match Preview

Match Context and Stakes

• 🥉 The upcoming match between Egypt and Nigeria is for third place in the Africa Cup of Nations, a game neither team likely wanted after semi-final losses.
• 💔 Both teams are looking to overcome the heartbreak of their semi-final defeats and finish the tournament on a positive note.

Semi-Final Recap

• 🇸🇳 Egypt lost 1-0 to Senegal, with a goal from Sadio Mané, after playing a largely defensive game with few clear chances.
• 🇲🇦 Nigeria was eliminated by hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout (4-2), despite having the competition's best attack with 14 goals scored.

Key Player Updates and Absences

• 🤕 Nigeria's talisman Victor Osimhen is a question mark due to an ankle injury, having left the semi-final before the shootout.
• ✅ Nigeria will see the return of captain Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the semi-final due to a one-match ban for accumulated yellow cards.
• ❌ Nigeria will be without defender Calvin Bassey due to a one-match ban after receiving two yellow cards in the semi-finals.
• 🤕 Egypt may be without Mohamed Hamdi, who has been injured throughout the competition.