Egypt vs Nigeria

The "Bronze Medal Match" of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) takes place today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Egypt faces Nigeria at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.¹ Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT (17:00 local time).²

Both continental giants arrive in Casablanca following heartbreaking semi-final exits.³ Nigeria was eliminated by hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout, while Egypt’s dream of an eighth title was ended by a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal.

Match Information

Nigeria: The Kings of Bronze

Nigeria holds a legendary status in this specific fixture, having won a record eight AFCON bronze medals.⁵ Historically, the Super Eagles have never lost a third-place play-off, winning all seven of the matches they have participated in since the format was formalized.⁶ A victory today would secure their 17th top-three finish—more than any other African nation.⁷

Team News and Selection:

• Suspension: Calvin Bassey is ruled out after receiving a controversial yellow card in the semi-final loss to Morocco.⁸ Chidozie Awaziem is the favorite to replace him in the heart of the defense.⁹

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• Injury Concern: Star striker Victor Osimhen is a major doubt after sustaining an ankle injury against Morocco.¹⁰ If he is unavailable, Akor Adams or Paul Onuachu will likely lead the line.

   

   

• Return: Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension.¹¹

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Awaziem, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Simon.¹²

   

   

Egypt: Seeking Redemptive Bronze

For Egypt, this is their first appearance in a third-place match this century.¹³ Their loss to Senegal was a historic blow, marking their first semi-final defeat in over 20 years.¹⁴ Head coach Hossam Hassan faces the challenge of motivating a squad that entered the tournament with "Title or Nothing" expectations.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Update: Winger Trezeguet is fit after appearing as a substitute in the semi-final, but Mohamed Hamdi remains a significant doubt.¹⁵

   

   

• The Salah Record: Mohamed Salah needs one goal to equal Hassan El-Shazly as Egypt's all-time leading scorer in AFCON history (12 goals). He is expected to start despite the quick turnaround.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fotouh; Attia, Fathy, Ashour; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and AFCON History

• Overall Meetings: 20 matches (Nigeria: 8 wins, Egypt: 6 wins, 6 draws).

• AFCON Meetings: 9 matches (Nigeria: 5 wins, Egypt: 2 wins, 2 draws).

• Defensive Form: Nigeria has been solid defensively, keeping three consecutive clean sheets prior to the semi-final shootout.¹⁶ Egypt has struggled for defensive consistency, conceding in every knockout match thus far.

• Last Meeting: Egypt defeated Nigeria 2–1 in a friendly in December 2025, though Nigeria won the most recent competitive meeting 1–0 at AFCON 2021.

   

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Nigeria’s physical dominance and depth in wide areas through Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon often thrive in the more open nature of third-place matches. Egypt will rely on the technical quality of Omar Marmoush and the individual brilliance of Salah, but their mental recovery from the Senegal loss will be the deciding factor.

Given Nigeria’s flawless historical record in bronze-medal matches and their defensive stability, they enter as slight favorites.

Final Score Prediction: Egypt 0–1 Nigeria