As the long standing dust settles on the ground, after the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s narrow semi-final defeat to the host nation (Morocco), the Nigeria now turn their focus to finishing the TotalEnergy Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note.
The Super Eagle of Nigeria’s performance has shown that Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca presents that opportunity, and luckily suggesting Nigeria has every reason to be confident.
This encounter between Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt might look Titanic, but it also marks the 10th time both heavyweight teams will clash at the AFCON finals, with Nigeria enjoying a superior record over the Pharaohs across decades of continental battles.
Below is a clear history, and also a refreshed look at how the Super Eagles of Nigeria have fared against Egypt in previous AFCON meetings.
AFCON 1963 (Group Stage): Egypt 6-3 Nigeria
The amateur Nigerian national team made their first AFCON debut in Ghana came against the Pharaohs of Egyptian that had already won two continental titles. In their first-ever AFCON match, the Super Eagles were overwhelmed 6-3. A subsequent 4-0 loss to Sudan ensured an early exit for the debutants.
AFCON 1976 (Final Round): Nigeria 3-2 Egypt
Both Nigeria and Egypt did not cross each other’s part again until the final round of the 1976 tournament in Ethiopia. After mixed results against Guinea and Morocco, Nigeria sealed a historic 3-2 victory over Egypt, securing their first-ever AFCON medal (bronze).
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AFCON 1980 (Group Stage): Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
As the year progresses, the Super Eagles of Nigeria edged Egypt 1-0 in their final group match on home soil, booking a place in the semi-finals. Egypt also progressed after finishing second in the group, but Nigeria would go on to lift the trophy.
Other head to head statistics
AFCON 1984 (Semi-finals): Nigeria 2-2 Egypt (Nigeria won 8-7 on penalties)
AFCON 1988 (Group Stage): Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
AFCON 1990 (Group Stage): Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
AFCON 1994 (Group Stage): Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
AFCON 2010 (Group Stage): Egypt 3-1 Nigeria
AFCON 2021 (Group Stage): Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
Notwithstanding, history leans slightly in Nigeria’s favour, as both teams prepare to battle once more for pride and bronze, but as AFCON rivalries have shown time and again, past records offer no guarantees.
Egypt possible starting lineup:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy; Marmoush; Trezeguet, Mohamed
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel; Ajayi, Awaziem, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Onuachu
Prediction:
Egypt 0-1 Nigeria
