Captain Wilfred Ndidi is set to return as the Super Eagles prepare to face Egypt in the third place match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday. The clash kicks off at 4 pm at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The Nigerian squad arrived in Casablanca on Thursday and immediately resumed training under head coach Eric Chelle. The session was light, focusing on jogging and ball circulation to help players regain rhythm and recover physically and mentally after their semifinal loss to hosts Morocco.
As the Super Eagles ready themselves for the playoff, the team is determined to turn semifinal disappointment into motivation. Securing the bronze medal will require tactical discipline and a strong mental approach against a familiar Egyptian side. Both nations have a storied history in AFCON bronze matches, with Nigeria holding eight and Egypt six. A win for the Super Eagles would widen the gap, while Egypt will be eager to narrow it.
Nigeria has never lost an AFCON bronze-medal match. Their first came in 1976 with a 3-2 victory over Egypt in Addis Ababa, thanks to goals from Haruna Ilerika and Mudashiru Lawal. Subsequent successes include triumphs over Tunisia in 1980, Cameroon in 1992, Mali in 2002 and 2004, Senegal in 2006, Algeria in 2010, and a memorable win in Egypt where Odion Ighalo’s early strike secured the medal.
Saturday’s game will mark the 25th meeting between Nigeria and Egypt at senior level and their 10th encounter in Africa Cup of Nations history. Of the previous nine AFCON clashes, Nigeria has claimed victory in five, with two ending in scoreless draws, including matches in Rabat in 1988 and Tunis six years later.
With Ndidi back in the lineup, the Super Eagles will be looking to maintain their perfect record in bronze-medal matches and cap their AFCON 2025 campaign on a high not
