After a regulation 90 minutes that offered few thrills, it was Nigeria who showed more attacking intent and created more scoring opportunities. However, neither side was able to capitalize, resulting in a scoreless deadlock at the end of normal time.

In a departure from traditional formats, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout following the draw. Egypt faltered early as their two biggest stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, saw their attempts saved by Stanley Nwabali. The Pharaohs were never able to recover, allowing Nigeria to maintain the advantage and secure the bronze.

Both nations enjoyed stellar campaigns, finishing as leaders of their respective groups and remaining unbeaten until the semifinals. There, Egypt‘s run was halted by Senegal in a narrow 1-0 defeat, decided by a Sadio Mane strike that sent the Lions of Teranga to the final.

On the other side, Nigeria entered the semifinals having won every match of the tournament, but they faced a formidable host nation. In a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 after extra time, it was Morocco who ultimately prevailed in a penalty shootout (4-2), securing their ticket to the final where they will play for their second-ever continental title.

What happens if Egypt win vs Nigeria?

Should Egypt secure a victory over Nigeria, the Pharaohs will claim third place in the 2025 AFCON, marking the fourth time in their history they have achieved this distinction.

What happens if Egypt and Nigeria tie?

If the score remains level at the end of the 90-minute regulation period, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout to determine the bronze medal winner. Unlike the earlier knockout rounds, there is no extra time scheduled for the third-place playoff, ensuring a decisive result immediately following the final whistle.

What happens if Egypt lose vs Nigeria?

If Nigeria emerge victorious in the AFCON 2025 third-place match, the Super Eagles will claim the bronze medal, marking the ninth time in their history they have achieved this recognition.

According to the Egyptian Football National Team’s official X account, Salah will start for Egypt in the third-place match against Nigeria. As the captain and most pivotal player for the Pharaohs, he currently leads the team in scoring this tournament with four goals in five matches.

The Liverpool forward was essential during the group stage, netting a stoppage-time goal in the opening 2-1 win over Zimbabwe to start the campaign on the right foot. He followed that up as the lone scorer in the second match against South Africa, sealing Egypt’s qualification for the Round of 16.

The Egypt captain remained clutch during the knockout stage, scoring a crucial goal in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16. His most recent goal came in the quarterfinal thriller against Ivory Coast, helping Egypt extend their lead in an eventual 3-2 win.

That goal against Ivory Coast also allowed Salah to continue rewriting the record books of Egyptian soccer. With that strike, Salah joined Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s second all-time leading scorer in AFCON history, with 11 career goals in the competition.

The starting XI confirmed for Egypt

To face Nigeria in the AFCON third-place match, these are the eleven players representing the Pharaohs: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Khaled Sobhy, Muhannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed.

The road to the semifinals

Both Egypt and Nigeria put together impressive campaigns that their fans should be proud of. The Pharaohs finished at the top of their group and remained undefeated until the semifinals. However, in a hard-fought semifinal clash against Senegal, Sadio Mane managed to score with just 10 minutes remaining to send his side to the tournament final.

On the Nigerian side, the Eagles also reached the semifinals as group leaders, with the added distinction of winning every match they played. However, they faced a grueling test against Morocco, the host nation, in the semifinals. After a tense encounter that ended 0-0 through 120 minutes, Nigeria was ultimately eliminated in a penalty shootout.

[Watch Egypt vs Nigeria online in the US on Fubo]

The Africa Cup of Nations third-place match — often viewed as the tournament’s consolation showdown — brings together two semifinalists looking to close their campaigns with a statement after falling just short of the final, which will be contested by Senegal and Morocco.

Egypt arrives after a razor-thin loss to Senegal in a marquee clash highlighted by the Mohamed Salah–Sadio Mane duel, while Nigeria pushed Morocco to the brink before bowing out in a tense penalty shootout. Now both sides see this matchup as a chance to salvage silverware and avoid the disappointment of finishing fourth.

When will the Egypt vs Nigeria match be played?

Egypt will play against Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third place game this Saturday, January 17. The action is set to kick off at 11:00 AM (ET).

Egypt vs Nigeria: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Egypt vs Nigeria in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Egypt and Nigeria live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

The match itself was tightly contested, with both sides showing strong defensive organization and limited clear-cut chances. Morocco dominated possession slightly, but Nigeria’s pressing and quick transitions kept the game level throughout 120 minutes.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco held their composure while Nigeria faltered on key attempts. En-Nesyri’s successful penalty sealed the victory, capping off a dramatic and physically intense semifinal that will be remembered for its tension and high stakes.

[Watch Nigeria vs Morocco online in the US on Fubo]

This Africa Cup of Nations semifinal features a high-stakes clash between two title favorites fighting for a place in the final. Nigeria, powered by Viktor Osimhen, looks to bounce back from its failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the Nigerians face their toughest test against a Morocco side widely regarded as Africa’s standard-bearer after its historic 2022 World Cup run. With continental glory on the line, the Atlas Lions know a victory here is a must.

When will the Nigeria vs Morocco match be played?

Nigeria will take on Morocco for the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals this Wednesday, January 14. The action is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Nigeria vs Morocco: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Nigeria vs Morocco in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Morocco live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Morocco enter the match in elite form, buoyed by a massive home crowd that has turned the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium into a fortress. In the quarterfinals, they secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon, featuring goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive as the most dangerous offensive unit in the competition. The Super Eagles have been flawless so far, winning every match they have played. In their quarterfinal encounter, they dispatched Algeria 2-0 with clinical finishes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

What happens if Morocco win vs Nigeria?

If Morocco defeat Nigeria, they will secure a ticket to the Grand Final on Sunday, Jan. 18. There, they will compete for their first AFCON title since 1976 against the winner of today’s other semifinal between Egypt and Senegal.

What happens if Morocco and Nigeria tie?

If the score is level after 90 minutes of regulation, the match will proceed to two 15-minute halves of extra time. Should the deadlock persist after the extra 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will determine which nation advances to the championship game.

What happens if Morocco lose vs Nigeria?

If Nigeria pull off the victory, the Super Eagles will advance to their second consecutive AFCON final. This would end Morocco’s hopes of winning their second title on home soil.

In international tournaments, the knockout bracket usually leaves little room for consolation. For teams that fall just short of the main event in Rabat, the distinction between going home empty-handed or decorated is vital.

This specific fixture has a long-standing tradition within CAF’s flagship competition, serving as a final stage for tactical experiments and individual honors. Understanding the regulations is key to knowing if a bronze medal is still on the table.

Does AFCON 2025 keep the third-place tradition alive?

For the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the tournament format includes more than just the quest for the trophy. After the group phase and knockout rounds, teams that fall in the semifinals don’t simply pack their bags, there is a scheduled third-place playoff between the two semifinal losers, giving them one more fixture and a chance to finish on the podium.

This match isn’t just a formality on the calendar. It’s part of the official structure of the finals, much like in previous editions with 24 teams: the group stage feeds into a round of 16, then quarters, semis, and finally both the championship decider and the bronze-place game.

Still, the idea of playing for third sparks mixed feelings among players and coaches, with some questioning its value once pride and morale are the only stakes left. That tension between tradition and modern tournament demands adds another subplot to AFCON’s dramatic climax.

Who are playing the AFCON 2025 third-place game and when?

The AFCON 2025 final is now set, shaping up as some of the most talked-about clashes in recent editions. On January 18, 2026, Senegal will face Morocco in what promises to be a tactical and physical duel.

A day before the final, the losers of the semifinal matches will face off with bronze at stake. Egypt and Nigeria will clash in the third-place match on January 17 at 11 AM (ET), pitting the two teams knocked out in the semifinals against each other — a final chance for pride and a podium finish before the curtain falls on AFCON 2025.

[Watch Uganda vs Nigeria online in the US on Fubo]

Nigeria has enjoyed a dream opening to its Africa Cup of Nations campaign, locking up a spot in the knockout round with two victories from its first two matches. Now the Super Eagles enter the final group-stage showdown with a clear objective: a single point would be enough to secure the top spot.

Standing in the way is a desperate Uganda side whose tournament hopes hang by a thread. While the Cranes need help elsewhere to advance, they have no choice but to push for a win, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash where Nigeria’s poise meets Uganda’s urgency.

When will the Uganda vs Nigeria match be played?

Uganda will take on Nigeria for the Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations group stage this Monday, December 29. The action is set to kick off at 11:00 AM (ET).

Uganda vs Nigeria: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Uganda vs Nigeria in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Uganda and Nigeria live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Connect.

[Watch Nigeria vs Tunisia online in the US on Fubo]

Nigeria and Tunisia backed up their status as group favorites with opening wins, setting up a decisive early showdown. The Super Eagles edged Tanzania 2–1 thanks to goals from Ajayi and Lookman, while Tunisia turned in a strong 3–1 performance against Uganda.

With both sides level on points and widely seen as the top teams in the group, one them being a future World Cup participant, this matchup could go a long way toward determining who finishes first.

When will the Nigeria vs Tunisia match be played?

Nigeria play against Tunisia for the Matchday 2 of the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations group stage this Saturday, December 27. The action is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Nigeria vs Tunisia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Nigeria vs Tunisia in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Tunisia live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

[Watch Nigeria vs Tanzania online in the US on Fubo]

Group C opens play at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with one of the tournament’s most demanding lineups, led by Nigeria’s attempt to bounce back from a shocking exit in 2026 World Cup qualifying after losing the African playoff final to RC Congo.

Still a continental heavyweight, the Super Eagles are focused on restoring their reputation, while Tanzania enters looking to build momentum despite an uneven qualifying run and seize the opportunity to challenge a clear favorite right out of the gate.

When will the Nigeria vs Tanzania match be played?

Nigeria take on Tanzania for the Matchday 1 of the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations group stagethis Tuesday, December 23. The action is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Nigeria vs Tanzania: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 PM

How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Tanzania live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.