Former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has urged the Super Eagles to put their semi-final disappointment behind them and remain fully focused on securing victory against Egypt in the third-place playoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
Nigeria will face the Pharaohs on Saturday in Casablanca, with the bronze medal at stake following their penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
Speaking on the importance of ending the tournament on a positive note, Ighalo stressed that the Super Eagles must approach the encounter with the right mindset despite missing out on a place in the final. The former Manchester United striker noted that matches of this nature still carry pride and significance, especially against a traditional rival like Egypt.
“Egypt will strive to regain its standing and achieve a positive result, so I hope Nigeria will do its utmost in that match to win and return with a positive outcome,” Ighalo said.
Nigeria and Egypt are two of Africa’s most successful football nations, and Saturday’s playoff presents another opportunity for the Super Eagles to showcase their quality and resilience after an impressive overall campaign in Morocco. A win would not only secure third place but also serve as a morale boost as the team looks ahead to future international engagements.
The Super Eagles will be aiming to cap off their AFCON 2025 journey with a strong performance and reward Nigerian fans who have continued to back the team throughout the tournament.