Egypt vs Nigeria official line-ups confirmed for AFCON 2025 third-place match
Egypt and Nigeria have confirmed their selections for the AFCON 2025 third place play off at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday 17 January.
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen in their starting lineup for today’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff against Egypt, as the Super Eagles wrap up their tournament campaign.
Calvin Bassey is also unavailable after receiving a suspension for his second yellow card of the knockout stages during Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semi-finals. As a result, Igoh Ogbu has been selected ahead of Chidozie Awaziem to partner Semi Ajayi in central defence.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has been named among the substitutes after picking up an ankle injury in the loss to Morocco, which forced him off during extra time. Head coach Éric Chelle explained that his substitution was both precautionary and tactical, with an eye on preparing for a potential penalty shootout.
Chelle noted that penalty specialists were introduced late in the game, adding that Osimhen’s minor ankle issue influenced the decision to bring on Paul Onuachu, one of the squad’s most reliable spot-kick takers.
Nigeria face Egypt in the bronze-medal match as they aim to end AFCON 2025 on a positive note.
Starting line-ups
Egypt (3-5-2):
- GK: Mostafa Shobeir
- DEF: Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Khaled Sobhy
- MID: Ahmed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Hamdy Fathy, Trezeguet, Mohanad Lasheen
- ATT: Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Salah
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Nigeria (4-3-3):
- GK: Stanley Nwabali
- DEF: Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel
- MID: Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze