BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – No doubt, it will be different strokes for Nigeria and Egypt as both countries take the centre stage in search of redemption in pride and honour at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff holding at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco this evening.
While the Super Eagles of Nigeria are bidding for a ninth AFCON bronze medal, their Egyptian counterparts, the Pharaohs, would be seeking their fourth, having won the bronze medal on three previous occasions.
Available records indicate that the Super Eagles have never lost a bronze medal game in AFCON history. They have won all past eight games played, and will be hoping to extend that streak and go 9-0. Egypt, on their part, have lost three of the six fixtures they have featured in over the years.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
For both countries, this would be the 10th meeting at AFCON.
OVERALL
Nigeria: P20 W8 D6 L6 GF29 GA24 GD+5
Egypt: P20 W6 D6 L8 GF24 GA29 GD-5
ON AFCON TURF ONLY
Nigeria: P9 W5 D2 L2 GF12 GA13 GD-1
Egypt: P9 W2 D2 L5 GF13 GA12 GD+1
PAST AFCON OUTINGS
1963 – Group Stage: Egypt 6–3 Nigeria
Nigeria’s first AFCON meeting with Egypt came in the opening match of the 1963 tournament, a nine-goal thriller won 6–3 by Egypt.
The Egyptians raced into a 5–0 lead before Nigeria scored their first goal. Mohamed Morsi Hossein and Hassan Ahmed El-Shazly both scored hat-tricks. Sudan and Egypt progressed to the semi-finals, while Nigeria were eliminated at the group stage.
1976 – 2nd Group Stage: Nigeria 3–2 Egypt
Nigeria defeated Egypt 3–2 in their final second group-stage match. The result was immaterial, as neither side had a chance of overhauling Guinea or Morocco. Nigeria finished third overall, with Egypt fourth.
1980 – Group Stage: Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
At the 1980 AFCON, with both teams already through to the semi-finals, hosts Nigeria won 1–0 in their final group game to finish as group winners. Nigeria went on to lift the trophy.
1984 – Semi-final: Nigeria 2–2 Egypt (Nigeria won on penalties)
The sides met in the semi-finals, where Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead as the match ended 2–2, with Nigeria advancing on penalties.
1988 – Group Stage: Nigeria 0–0 Egypt
A goalless draw in their final group game saw Nigeria top the group and eliminate Egypt, progressing to the semi-finals.
1990 – Group Stage: Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
Nigeria bounced back from a 5–1 opening loss to hosts Algeria to defeat Egypt 1–0, eliminating Egypt while Nigeria reached the final and finished runners-up.
1994 – Group Stage: Nigeria 0–0 Egypt
Another goalless draw in their final group game saw both teams progress to the quarter-finals. Egypt were eliminated at that stage, while Nigeria went on to lift the trophy.
2010 – Group Stage: Egypt 3–1 Nigeria
After a 16-year wait, the teams met again at AFCON, with Egypt ending a six-game winless run against Nigeria with a 3–1 come-from-behind victory in their opening group match. Nigeria still progressed to the quarter-finals, while Egypt went on to successfully defend their title.
2021 – Group Stage: Nigeria 1–0 Egypt
Nigeria won 1–0, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the only goal in the 30th minute. Both teams progressed from the group, Egypt finishing runners-up while Nigeria exited at the Round of 16.
This will be their second meeting at a tournament hosted by Morocco, following their encounter in 1988.
Of their nine AFCON meetings, eight have come in the group stages. In 1976 they met in the second group stage, while they have met seven times in standard group play. In 1963 Egypt progressed, while in 1988 and 1990 Nigeria advanced at Egypt’s expense.
Overall, the sides have met 20 times, with Nigeria winning eight matches, Egypt six, and six ending in draws.
Nigeria won their two most recent AFCON-related meetings prior to Egypt’s latest victory, a friendly international in March 2019 in Asaba and the 2021 AFCON group match, both by 1–0 scorelines.
Egypt won the most recent meeting, a friendly on 16 December 2025. Mahmoud Saber scored in the 28th minute and Mostafa Mohamed in the 53rd, while Chidozie Awaziem scored in first-half stoppage time.
Nigeria’s 2019 friendly win ended a seven-match winless run against Egypt (D3 L4) and was their first victory over Egypt in 29 years, following their 1990 AFCON success.
Apart from the consolation prize nature of the playoff, there is the subplot of the bragging rights involved. Egypt trying to add to their podium finishes, close the gap on Nigeria and become the first team to beat the Super Eagles in an Afcon bronze medal match.
For the Super Eagles, who have seen this referred to as Golden Bronze in the past, returning home with something will be strong motivation.
Goal Targets Still On Course
Having lost out of the big prize again, the Super Eagles are still looking for some take home pickups, both for the team and at least one individual player in terms of goals’ haul at this year’s competition. – With cafonline.com report
