Egypt and Nigeria return to the pitch on Saturday in Casablanca with bronze on the line, just days after semi-final heartbreak ended their AFCON title dreams.
It is a meeting driven by pride, recovery and the chance to finish the tournament on a winning note.
AFRICA PICKS: Egypt vs Nigeria – AFCON bets to bank on
Egypt arrive after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal, a result that underlined both their resilience and their struggle for consistency. Hossam Hassan’s side showed flashes of quality, but now face questions over fatigue and selection as they reset for one final test.
Nigeria’s exit was even more painful. The Super Eagles pushed hosts Morocco all the way to penalties before falling short, their first blank of the tournament coming at the worst moment. Despite that setback, Eric Chelle’s side remain one of AFCON’s most balanced teams and will look to reassert their edge.
With two giants bruised but motivated, this playoff promises intensity rather than caution.
Photo: Segun Ogunfeyitimi/Gallo Images
