Egypt and Nigeria meet today at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in a high-stakes third-place play-off at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The game carries strong emotional weight for both teams after painful semi-final exits. Egypt lost 1–0 to Senegal in Tangier, while Nigeria were knocked out on penalties by hosts Morocco after a goalless 120 minutes.
Egypt enter the match desperate to restore some pride and steady their campaign, but a series of absences has forced major changes to the expected lineup.
Team manager Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that Yasser Ibrahim and Ahmed Fattouh miss out through injury, with Fattouh suffering a hamstring tear and Yasser sidelined by a back problem. The Pharaohs are already without Mohamed Hamdy (ACL), suspended defender Hossam Abdelmaguid and the banned duo Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen, both hit with two-game suspensions by CAF for offensive gestures toward the referee after the Senegal defeat.
Coach Hossam Hassan is therefore expected to radically adjust his XI, turning to Mustafa Shobier in goal behind a reshaped defence and a front line led by Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed and Mahmoud Trezeguet as Egypt and Nigeria battle for a healing podium finish.
