Egypt vs Nigeria AFCON 2025 3rd Place Match Prediction: Who Will Win?

Egypt vs Nigeria meet again — this time for the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Both teams arrive determined to finish the tournament on a high after semi-final heartbreak:

Egypt fell to Senegal, while Nigeria to hosts Morocco on penalties of the Africa Cup of Nation 2025 edition, setting up this mouthwatering bronze-medal clash.

Egypt’s route to the semis was built on defensive discipline and effective set-pieces; the Pharaohs conceded very few clear chances in group play and relied on tactical control to get through the knockout phases.

Nigeria, by contrast, combined attacking flair with late drama in earlier rounds but came up short in a tight semi that went to spot kicks — the Super Eagles will want to channel that attacking firepower one last time.

Kick-off details and venue: the bronze match is scheduled for January 17, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca), with kickoff times published by tournament organisers and broadcasters. Confirm local kickoff time for your timezone before planning to watch.

• Date: Saturday, January 17
• Time: 10:50 AM ET / 7:50 AM PT
• Stadium: Mohammed V Stadium
• Semifinal Preview:
• Africa Cup of Nations form:
  • Egypt: W W D W W L
  • Nigeria: W W W W W L

Egypt vs Nigeria third-place playoff prediction, Team news & form

• Egypt: Egypt are expected to field a mostly fit squad for the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff. After a physically demanding semi-final, the coaching staff may rotate one or two positions to manage fatigue. The Pharaohs have relied heavily on defensive structure throughout the tournament, keeping a compact shape and limiting space between the lines. Set-pieces and disciplined defending remain their primary strengths heading into this match.
• Nigeria: Nigeria come into the bronze-medal match with strong momentum despite their semi-final defeat on penalties. Minor fatigue concerns are possible, but no major injury setbacks have been reported. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at AFCON 2025 and is expected to start again. The Super Eagles are likely to focus on early pressing, wing pace, and quick transitions — a style that has troubled opponents throughout the tournament.

Egypt vs Nigeria Stating XI Lineups:

Egypt (3-4-1-2)

El-Shenawy(GK); Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Rabia; Hany, Attia, Fathy, Abou El Fotouh; Ashour; Salah, Marmoush

Nigeria (4-3-1-2)

Nwabali(GK); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Osimhen

• Wilfred ndidi suspension AFCON 2025

Key players to watch

• Egypt: Target-man and set-piece threat (central striker), experienced centre-back who organizes the defence, and a creative midfield runner who links defence to attack.
• Nigeria: Fast wingers and a clinical central striker (capable of one-touch finishes), plus an energetic box-to-box midfielder who fuels counter-attacks.

Tactical match-up

• Egypt (control & set-pieces): Expect Egypt to sit slightly deeper, force Nigeria wide, and attack primarily through crosses and dead-ball situations. Discipline in midfield will be essential to stop Nigerian counters.
• Nigeria (pace & transitions): Nigeria will look to stretch Egypt with quick combinations and overlap from full-backs. Rapid transitions and early vertical passes into the striker are their best path to goals.
• The midfield battle will be decisive: if Egypt can slow the game and keep possession, they increase their chances; if Nigeria forces turnovers and exploits space behind the defence, they’ll be favorites.

Head-to-head Egypt vs Nigeria

Historically, Nigeria and Egypt have had competitive meetings, with Nigeria holding the upper hand in recent decades thanks to stronger finishing and experience in big matches. Exact head-to-head numbers vary by source, but Nigeria’s recent form in tournament knockout games gives them psychological momentum.

• Matches: 7
• Egypt: 4
• Nigeria: 2
• Draw: 1

All time H2H

• Total matches: 21
• Egypt won: 7
• Nigeria won: 9
• Draws: 5

Odds & situational factors

Nigeria and Egypt are set to face off in the 32nd AFCON third place play-off. In the previous 31 editions, this fixture has seen 87 goals scored, averaging 2.85 per game. Notably, both teams have found the net in 13 of those matches.

• Bookmakers often favour the team with the stronger attack in finals; Nigeria’s scoring form makes them a narrow favourite in many markets.
• Home/venue factors, match fitness, and suspensions can swing the balance—check final team sheets before placing any bets.

Egypt vs Nigeria Prediction

This final will be tight and likely decided by a single moment — a set-piece, a counter, or an individual lapse. Egypt’s defensive organisation makes them hard to break down, but Nigeria’s attacking depth and ability to change games with substitutes tilt the contest slightly in their favour.

Final prediction: Nigeria 2–1 Egypt

Nigeria edge it thanks to pace on the wings and a late winner. Alternative outcome: 1–1 and penalties if Egypt successfully neutralizes transitions and forces a low-chance game.

How to Watch Egypt vs Nigeria?

Fans can watch the Egypt vs Nigeria match live on official sports broadcasters and verified streaming platforms in their region. In the USA, the game is expected to be available on select international sports channels or digital streaming services.

Viewers should also check local TV listings and official federation platforms for live coverage and match updates.

• Official: CAF official
• USA: beIN Sports
• Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport
• UK: Channel 4