Super Eagles to play Egypt in AFCON 2025 3rd place match after penalty shootout loss to Morocco

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place match
• Nigeria lost on penalties to host nation Morocco after 120 minutes, while Egypt lost to Senegal in the other semi-final
• The Super Eagles faced Egypt in the pre-AFCON friendly, and both countries meet again to close their outing

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after both teams lost their semi-finals.

Egypt lost to the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the first semi-final, thanks to Sadio Mane’s goal, while Nigeria lost to the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the second match.

Host nation, Morocco, and the 2021 winners, Senegal, will clash in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026, for a chance to win their second crown.

Nigeria to face Egypt

As noted by CAF, the Super Eagles fall short of reaching the final this time around, but can improve on their AFCON medals tally against Egypt on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca.

Nigeria and Egypt faced off in a pre-AFCON friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on December 16, and will now close the tournament as they started.

Nigeria’s journey at AFCON so far

The Super Eagles kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania in the group stage, followed by a 2-1 win over Tunisia, which sealed qualification to the knockout stage.

Chelle rotated his side heavily for the final group game against Uganda, making eight changes, yet the team brushed aside the Cranes 3-1 to win Group C.

The Super Eagles crushed Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16, before beating Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-final, as noted by the NFF, before losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-final.

Nigeria conceded in all group matches, but has yet to concede in the knockout stage, proving that they can balance both defence and attack.

Egypt’s journey at AFCON so far

Egypt was one of the favourites heading into the tournament as they chased a record-extending eighth title and their first AFCON title since 2010.

The Pharaohs began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe, followed by a controversial 1-0 win over South Africa, and a 0-0 draw against Angola.

In the knockout stage, Egypt defeated Benin 3-1 in extra time, followed by an intense 3-2 win over defending champions Cote d’Ivoire, before losing to Senegal in the semi-final.

Calvin Bassey to miss Egypt clash

Legit.ng reported that Calvin Bassey will miss the third-place match against Egypt after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.

Nigerians were displeased at Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea for unjustly booking the Fulham defender amid a string of poor officiating decisions.

Source: Legit.ng