Nigeria faces Egypt in AFCON bronze battle today
Nigeria's Super Eagles will battle Egypt in the 2025 AFCON third-place play-off today, January 17, 2026, at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm WAT. This is a chance for Nigeria to claim their record-extending ninth bronze medal after losing 5-3 on penalties to hosts Morocco in Tuesday's semi-final. Egypt also missed out on the final, falling to Senegal.
Coach Eric Chelle will have captain Wilfred Ndidi back from suspension, but Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Morocco. Nigeria holds a strong historical advantage against Egypt at AFCON, winning five of their nine previous tournament meetings. The last encounter between both teams at this level was in 2004.
Victory today would cement Nigeria's dominance in African football, adding to their previous bronze medals won in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2019. For Egypt, this match serves as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Will the Super Eagles secure their ninth podium finish, or will the Pharaohs bounce back to claim bronze?