AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Rested as Eric Chelle Names Super Eagles XI vs Egypt
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup to face Egypt in the third-place match
- Nigeria will wrap up its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a bronze medal match against the Pharaohs of Egypt
- Chelle makes changes to his team with star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made changes to his starting lineup to face Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria takes on the Pharaohs of Egypt for the bronze medal at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5 pm.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semi-final after a goalless 120 minutes, while Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final.
According to NFF, Nigeria has won eight AFCON bronze medals and have never lost a third place match, with their last outing coming in the 2021 edition.
Egypt has won AFCON a record seven times, and have been attempting to win their eighth title since their last in 2010, with the legendary Mohamed Salah yet to win the tournament as he approaches the latter part of his career.
Chelle rests Osimhen and Lookman
As spotted on Super Eagles' official X account, Eric Chelle has announced his Super Eagles starting lineup for the third-place playoff match against Egypt.
The Franco-Malian manager made multiple changes to the team which lost to Morocco, with African Footballers of the Year, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench.
Stanley Nwabali retains his spot on goal, while Igoh Ogbu replacing the suspended Calvin Bassey is the only change Chelle made in the defence.
Raphael Onyedika retains his spot in midfield, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Samuel Chukwueze replace Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in the other spots.
Paul Onuachu replaces Osimhen and partners Akor Adams in attack, while Moses Simon steps up in place of Lookman and captains the side.
Full XI: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi; Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu.
According to EFA, Hossam Hassan made six changes to his Pharaohs' squad to face Nigeria. Mohamed Salah retains his spot, but Omar Marmoush drops to the bench.
Mostafa Shobeir, Khaled Sobhi, Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet", Mohannad Lasheen, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" and Mostafa Mohamed are the new players from the start.
Source: Getty Images
Egypt's Full XI: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Hamdi Fathi; Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet", Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed.
Where to watch Egypt vs Nigeria
Legit.ng reported where to watch Egypt vs Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 third-place playoff match, which will be played at the Mohammed V Stadium in Morocco.
Nigerian audiences have the match on dedicated SuperSport channels on DStv and GoTV, as well as their streaming platforms on mobile and other devices.
Source: Legit.ng
