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.
Nigeria’s 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
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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:
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Nigeria: NTA (National Television Authority) and the Afia TV network.
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South Africa: SABC Sport and the SABC+ app.
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Ghana: GTV Sports+.
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East Africa: Azam Sports (Tanzania) and ZNBC (Zambia).
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- UK: Live and free on Channel 4 and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS, streamable via Fubo and Sling TV.
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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.
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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.”
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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 Díaz (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.
