Traditional African heavyweights Egypt and Nigeria meet in Casablanca this Saturday for the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off, with both nations looking to end their campaigns on a winning note.
The Pharaohs’ dreams of a record eighth title were ended by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the semi-finals.
Nigeriaโs quest for a fourth crown also fell just short, as they lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat.
Match details
- Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
- Kick-off: 16:00 GMT (17:00 local time)
- Venue: Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch across Africa and beyond
The battle for bronze will be broadcast live across the continent through several major networks and local stations:
- Pan-Africa: SuperSport (English and Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French) provide the widest coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- North Africa & MENA: beIN Sports holds the exclusive rights for the region. In Egypt, the match will be available via Time Sports (terrestrial).
- Local Free-to-Air: Fans can also follow the game on national channels, including:
-
-
Nigeria: NTA (National Television Authority) and the Afia TV network.
-
South Africa: SABC Sport and the SABC+ app.
-
Ghana: GTV Sports+.
-
East Africa: Azam Sports (Tanzania) and ZNBC (Zambia).
-
- UK: Live and free on Channel 4 and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS, streamable via Fubo and Sling TV.
AFCON 2025: Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach home final
Team news
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan may look to rotate his squad following a physically demanding semi-final. Mohamed Salah, who has four goals in the tournament, is expected to lead the side as he looks to secure a podium finish.
However, there are doubts over defender Ramy Rabia, who has been struggling with a knock. Midfielder Emam Ashour is likely to retain his place after a consistent tournament in the heart of the Pharaohs’ midfield.
Nigeria will be without defender Calvin Bassey, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final. The Super Eagles are also sweating on the fitness of Victor Osimhen; the striker was substituted just before the penalty shootout against Morocco and may be rested.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to the starting lineup after missing the semi-final through suspension, while Ademola Lookman will be looking to add to his three goals this tournament.
AFCON 2025 semifinal Nigeria vs Morocco: Best and worst Super Eagles’ performers
View from the camps
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan:
“It is always difficult to play for third place when your goal was the trophy, but we are professionals. We represent Egypt, and we want to finish this tournament with a medal and a win over a great team like Nigeria.”
Nigeria assistant manager Hedi Taboubi:
“The pain of the semi-final is still fresh, but we owe it to the millions of Nigerians watching to finish this journey with our heads held high. We have a squad with immense depth and every player is motivated to leave Morocco with a medal.”
Egypt vs Nigeria prediction, betting tips: Super Eagles eye redemption at AFCON
Match facts
- This is the 10th meeting between these two sides at an AFCON tournament; the overall record is perfectly balanced with three wins each and three draws.
- Nigeria has won the third-place play-off eight times, more than any other nation in the history of the competition.
- Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen both enter the game on four goals, trailing Morocco’s Brahim Dรญaz (5) in the race for the Golden Boot.
- The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca hosts its final match of the tournament before Sunday’s showpiece final in Rabat.
