The curtain is set to close on Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign this evening, January 17, with a high-stakes bronze medal match against familiar rivals, Egypt. The Super Eagles will lock horns with the Pharaohs at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM local time.
Team News and Absences for Both Sides
Nigeria approaches the match with mixed fitness news. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Ryan Alebiosu have been passed fit and are available for selection. However, the team will be significantly weakened by the absence of defender Calvin Bassey, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final loss to Morocco. Striker Cyriel Dessers has provided a boost by rejoining the camp after recovering from an injury that saw him miss the knockout stages.
For Egypt, head coach Ibrahim Hassan has confirmed two key injuries. Defender Yasser Ibrahim is ruled out with lower back pain, while Ahmed Fatouh is sidelined with a hamstring tear. This sets the stage for a contest where squad depth will be tested.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed for Bronze
This match marks the tenth AFCON meeting between these two African giants, with a rich history dating back decades. According to head-to-head records, Nigeria holds a slight advantage in their AFCON encounters, having won five of the previous nine matches. Egypt has claimed victory twice, with two games ending in draws. Interestingly, this will be the second time they meet in a third-place playoff; the first was in 1976, which Nigeria won 3-2.
The stakes are high for pride and podium position. Combined, the two nations have won 10 AFCON titles (Egypt 7, Nigeria 3) and 11 bronze medals (Nigeria 8, Egypt 3). The pitch will also feature four African Footballer of the Year winners: Egypt's Mohamed Salah (twice) and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Global Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans across Nigeria and the world can follow the action live through various platforms. For viewers in Nigeria, the primary broadcaster will be SuperSport on DStv, with the match also available on their mobile and online streaming services.
Other broadcast partners across Africa include:
- SABC for audiences in South Africa.
- Canal+ Afrique for viewers in francophone countries.
Streaming platforms and international sports networks worldwide are also expected to carry the match, ensuring global access to this final chapter of AFCON 2025.
The match concludes a tournament journey that saw Nigeria fall to Morocco in a tense semi-final penalty shootout, while Egypt was narrowly defeated 1-0 by Senegal. Both teams will be eager to end their campaign on a winning note and secure the consolation of a bronze medal.
