Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a surprising starting eleven for Nigeria's final match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, opting to rest his two biggest attacking stars.
Major Changes for Bronze Medal Clash
In a significant tactical shift, Chelle has decided to start both Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the substitutes' bench for the third-place playoff against Egypt. This decision comes after the team's heartbreaking semi-final exit against hosts Morocco.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5 pm local time. The venue is the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Nigeria will face the Pharaohs, who were themselves defeated 1-0 by Senegal in the other semi-final.
Seeking a Record Ninth Bronze
Nigeria enters this contest with an impressive historical record in third-place matches. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Super Eagles have won eight AFCON bronze medals and have never lost a match for third place.
Their most recent bronze medal victory came in the 2021 edition of the tournament. The team will be eager to add a ninth to their collection and end the 2025 campaign on a positive note after the penalty shootout disappointment against Morocco.
The semi-final ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play, with the Atlas Lions eventually triumphing 4-2 on penalties.
How to Watch the Action
For fans in Nigeria eager to catch the team's final outing, the broadcast details are clear. The match will be available live on dedicated SuperSport channels on both DStv and GoTV platforms.
Viewers can also stream the action on the go using SuperSport's mobile and digital streaming services. This ensures supporters won't miss a moment as the Super Eagles aim to secure the bronze medal.
Coach Eric Chelle's lineup announcement, made via the team's official X account, signals a focus on fresh legs and perhaps a glimpse at the squad's depth as Nigeria concludes its AFCON 2025 journey.
