Egypt vs Nigeria Prediction & Betting Tips | AFCON 2025 Bronze Match
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has delivered drama at every stage, and now Egypt and Nigeria face off in the third-place playoff. Both giants of African football were knocked out in the semi-finals, but pride and a bronze medal are still on the line in Casablanca.
Match Details
- Fixture: Egypt vs Nigeria – AFCON 2025 Third Place Playoff
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kick-off: 17:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Mohamed V Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco
Egypt: Searching for Redemption
Egypt’s cautious approach against Senegal proved costly, as Sadio Mané struck late to send the Pharaohs home. Despite boasting stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Egypt struggled to create chances, managing just 37% possession.
- Key concern: The midfield lacked creativity, with Marwan Ateya and Hamdy Fathy failing to push forward effectively.
- Injury update: Mohamed Hamdi is sidelined with a muscle issue.
- Predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): El Shenawy; Rabia, Abdelmaguid, Ibrahim; El Fotouh, Fathy, Ateya, Hany; Ashour, Marmoush; Salah.
Last 5 Matches
- Senegal 1-0 Egypt
- Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast
- Egypt 3-1 Benin (AET)
- Angola 0-0 Egypt
- Egypt 1-0 South Africa
Nigeria: Attack Meets Resistance
Nigeria’s semi-final against Morocco ended in heartbreak after a 0-0 draw and a 2-4 penalty shootout defeat. Despite their attacking firepower, the Super Eagles couldn’t break down Morocco’s defensive wall.
- Standout performers: Alex Iwobi impressed in midfield, while Adama Lookman looked dangerous early on.
- Goalkeeper watch: Stanley Nwabali made crucial saves but was undone in the shootout.
- Unavailable: Cyriel Dessers misses out due to injury.
- Predicted lineup (4-3-1-2): Nwabali; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Onyedika, Onyeka; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Last 5 Matches
- Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (lost on penalties)
- Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
- Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
- Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
- Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
Betting Tips & Predictions
- Safe Tip: Over 1.5 goals – Odds 1.34
- Value Tip: Over 2.5 goals – Odds 2.09
- Score Prediction: Egypt 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria has been among the highest-scoring teams at AFCON with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Adama Lookman leading the line. Egypt, though more conservative, still relies on Salah and Marmoush to deliver. Expect an open game, as third-place playoffs often feature attacking football with less defensive caution.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria
- Jan 2022: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
- Mar 2019: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
- Mar 2016: Egypt 1-0 Nigeria
- Mar 2016: Nigeria 1-1 Egypt
Final Word
This bronze medal clash is more than a consolation prize; it’s about pride, momentum and bragging rights. With both sides boasting elite attackers, fans should expect goals, drama and a fitting finale to their AFCON 2025 campaigns.