Honestly, the heartbreak from the semi-finals is still stinging for most Nigerians. We were so close. After a dominant run in Morocco, the Super Eagles fell just short of the 2025 AFCON final, losing a gut-wrenching penalty shootout to the hosts. But there’s no time to sulk. The next match of nigeria is happening today, and it’s a heavyweight clash for the bronze medal.
Nigeria faces Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off.
This isn't just a "consolation" game. For a team that scored 14 goals throughout the tournament, ending on a high note matters. It’s about pride, continental ranking, and frankly, making sure we don't go home empty-handed after looking like the best team in Africa for three weeks straight.
When and Where: The Next Match of Nigeria Details
The Super Eagles are staying in Casablanca for this one. If you’re planning your evening around the next match of nigeria, here is the breakdown of the logistics. No fluff, just the facts you need to make sure you're in front of a screen on time.
- Opponent: Egypt (The Pharaohs)
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 4:00 PM WAT (West Africa Time) / 5:00 PM local time in Morocco.
- Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca.
The atmosphere in Casablanca is going to be bittersweet. While Morocco prepares for their final tomorrow, the fans here still respect the pedigree of these two giants. Egypt is coming off their own 1-0 loss to Senegal, so both teams are wounded.
Why This Game is Actually a Big Deal
You might hear some fans say they don't care about third place. They're wrong.
First off, we have the Golden Boot race. Victor Osimhen has been a beast this tournament, but he’s neck-and-neck with Morocco’s Brahim Díaz. A goal or two against Egypt could secure that individual trophy for him. Ademola Lookman is also in the mix for the Team of the Tournament, and a strong showing today seals that.
Then there's the FIFA ranking. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in March, Nigeria needs to maintain a high ranking to ensure better seeding and momentum.
We can’t forget the tactical side either. Coach Éric Chelle has stayed unbeaten in competitive play up until that shootout. He’s going to use this match to see who has the mental toughness to bounce back from a loss. Expect to see some of the younger guys maybe get a run, though Chelle usually likes to stick with his core.
The Egypt Threat: More Than Just Salah
Everyone talks about Mohamed Salah. Obviously. The Liverpool man has scored four times this tournament and is chasing the Golden Boot himself. But Egypt’s defense is what usually keeps them in games. They are disciplined. They are annoying to play against.
Nigeria’s pace will be the key. If Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon can stretch the Pharaohs' backline, Osimhen will find the pockets. We saw Egypt struggle with Senegal’s speed in the semi-final, and Nigeria arguably has more raw pace on the wings than anyone else in Africa right now.
👉 See also: Finding Your Way: A Real-World Look at the Map of Raymond James Stadium
Looking Ahead: The Road to the 2026 World Cup
Once the whistle blows tonight and the AFCON chapter closes, the focus shifts immediately. The next match of nigeria after the tournament won't be a friendly; it'll be a high-stakes trip to Kigali.
The World Cup qualifying schedule is grueling. Here is what the upcoming months look like for the Super Eagles:
- March 21, 2026: Rwanda vs. Nigeria (Away) – A must-win to keep the path to North America open.
- March 25, 2026: Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (Home) – Likely to be played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
We’re currently sitting in a tight spot in Group C. South Africa and Benin have been nipping at our heels. If we don’t take six points in March, the pressure for the June fixtures will be unbearable.
How to Stream the Match Today
If you're in Nigeria, SuperSport on DSTV remains the most reliable way to catch the action. For those who have gone digital, the AfroSport app or the NTA Sports 24 channel usually carry the feed.
In the UK, Sky Sports has the rights, while fans in the US can find it on beIN SPORTS. Just make sure you check your local listings about an hour before kickoff, as pre-game shows often start early to analyze the starting lineups.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Lineup: Watch for Akor Adams or Kelechi Iheanacho. If Chelle starts them alongside Osimhen, he’s going for a high-scoring statement win.
- Watch the Wings: Nigeria's success today depends on whether the full-backs (Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi) can overlap without leaving the center-backs exposed to Salah's counter-attacks.
- Clear the Schedule: Since this is a third-place match, if it ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it often goes straight to penalties in some CAF formats to save player fatigue—be ready for high drama early.
Nigeria has a chance to end the month as the third-best team on the continent. It’s not the trophy we wanted, but it’s a trophy nonetheless. Get the green and white jerseys ready; the Super Eagles aren't done yet.