Egypt vs Nigeria LIVE: First half still goalless! (0-0) AFCON 2025 third-place game

Mohamed Salah nearly found the opening goal from point-blank range, but Stanley Nwabali was perfectly positioned to deny the Egyptian captain's strike.

Samuel Chukwueze registered the first meaningful attempt for Nigeria, though his effort took a deflection off a defender and was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

The match has opened with a high degree of parity; neither side has been able to establish a clear advantage as they trade possession in the midfield. Both teams have looked disciplined early on, resulting in a cagey start with no major threats created in the final third.

Egypt and Nigeria have kicked off the AFCON 2025 third-place game!

Players from both countries are on the pitch for the national anthems. Everything is ready for the start of the match!

A tightly contested battle is expected at Mohammed V Stadium; in their last five meetings, the two sides have split the results with two wins each and one draw. Their last meeting in the AFCON was in 2022, where Nigeria defeated Egypt 1-0 in a group stage match with a goal from Kelechi Iheanacho.

This will be the starting team from Nigeria for today's game: Nwabali, Osayi, Ajayi, Igoh, Bruno, Onyedika, Bashiru, Chukwueze, Adams, Onuachu, Simon.

This will be Egypt starting lineup for today: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Khaled Sobhy; Muhannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo; Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed.

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate the quarterfinal clash between Egypt and Nigeria. He will be joined on the field by Zakiaria Brinsi and Mustafa Akrad, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Jalal Jayed (MAR)
• Assistant Referee 1: Zakiaria Brinsi (MAR)
• Assistant Referee 2: Mustafa Akrad (MAR)
• Fourth official: Peter Kamaku (KEN)
• VAR: Lahlou Benbrahim (DZA)

Egypt vs Nigeria will get underway in the Mohammed V Stadium at 11:00 AM (ET).

Fubo will be the primary option to watch Egypt vs Nigeria in the USA. Other options are: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Welcome to our live blog of the AFCON 2025. Egypt face Nigeria today in a crucial third-place showdown, with both national teams searching for a spot in the podium!

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!