AFCON 2025: Who will play the third-place match?

Nigeria and Egypt will contest the third-place play-off at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with pride and a bronze medal on the line after both nations suffered semi-final heartbreak.

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs meet on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, bringing together two of Africa’s most decorated teams in a fixture that has become one of the tournament’s enduring rivalries.

Nigeria were edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, while Egypt’s long run of last-four success ended with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal.

This will be the 10th meeting between Nigeria and Egypt at AFCON and their 20th overall, with history suggesting a tight and hard-fought contest.

The only previous knockout clash between the sides came in the 1984 semi-final, which was decided on penalties, underlining how little separates them when the stakes are high.

What is at stake

Nigeria are chasing a record ninth AFCON bronze medal and boast a perfect record in third-place play-offs, having won all seven they have previously contested—often by the narrowest of margins. Victory would also secure a 17th top-three finish at the tournament, more than any other nation.

Egypt, meanwhile, are appearing in a third-place match for the first time this century and for the sixth time overall.

They have won three of their five previous play-offs and will be keen to end the tournament on a high after the disappointment of falling short in the semi-finals.

Team form and key talking points

Nigeria arrive with one of the tournament’s most balanced profiles.

Despite an unusually quiet attacking display against Morocco, the Super Eagles have been defensively resilient in the knockout rounds and have not conceded a goal since the group stage.

Egypt’s challenge has been consistency in the final third.

The Pharaohs struggled to create clear chances against Senegal and have yet to keep a clean sheet in the knockout phase.

Much of their attacking threat continues to run through Mohamed Salah, who remains their chief creative force and is closing in on the AFCON all-time scoring record.

Match details and how to watch

• Fixture: Nigeria vs Egypt

• Competition: AFCON 2025 Third-Place Play-off

• Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

• Kick-off: 17:00 local time

Live coverage will be available on CAFonline.com.

With two giants seeking consolation after falling just short of the final, Saturday’s play-off promises intensity, history and one last chance to finish AFCON 2025 on the podium.