Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were named among the substitutes as Nigeria began the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 third-place playoff against Egypt.
Head coach Eric Chelle rang the changes for Saturday’s encounter in Morocco, making five alterations to his starting line-up. Midfield talisman Alex Iwobi was also benched as Nigeria lined up for their final match of the tournament.
Paul Onuachu was handed the responsibility of leading the attack, while Moses Simon captained the side from the flank. At the back, Igoh Ogbu stepped in for the suspended Calvin Bassey, marking the only defensive adjustment.
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Samuel Chukwueze, who missed a crucial penalty in the semi-final defeat, returned to the starting XI, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru completing the midfield combination against the Pharaohs.
Nigeria entered the playoff chasing a record-extending ninth bronze medal at the AFCON. The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in third-place matches and already hold the competition’s highest bronze tally with eight titles, the most recent coming in Egypt in 2019 following a 1–0 victory over Tunisia courtesy of Odion Ighalo.
Starting XI:
Nwabali; Ajayi, Ogbu, Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel; Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika, Chukwueze, Simon, Adams, Onuachu
