Odion Ighalo Backs Super Eagles To Beat Egypt As Fredericks Tips Morocco For AFCON Title

Former Nigeria and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo believes the Super Eagles will respond positively to their semi-final heartbreak by defeating Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place match on Saturday.

Nigeria were sent crashing out of the tournament on Wednesday night after losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless draw. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi were the unfortunate players who failed to convert their spot-kicks as the Atlas Lions marched into the final in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Despite the disappointment, Ighalo feels the bronze medal match against the Pharaohs offers Nigeria a final opportunity to restore pride.

Speaking while on punditry duties with SuperSport, the former Wolves forward said, “I know they don’t want to play third-place, but it’s still a chance to fight for a bronze. I was there in 2019 too.

“I was sad against Algeria in the semi-final, but this is what it is. Egypt wants to redeem themselves, to get something going back home.

“So I want Nigeria to go all out with that game, to try to win, to get something back home too. I believe Nigeria will do well in that game and try to win, because they don’t have anything to appease the fans back home.

“Now they’re not going to the World Cup. They are not playing the final, so they only have this chance now to redeem themselves. They’ll win that third place.”

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, Nigeria will face Egypt after Senegal defeated the North Africans in their own semi-final, with Sadio Mané scoring the decisive goal to send the Teranga Lions through.

While the Super Eagles prepare for Saturday’s playoff under coach Eric Chelle, attention has already turned to the final, where Morocco will meet Senegal.

Former South Africa international Stanton Fredericks has backed the hosts to lift the 2025 AFCON trophy, insisting home advantage could prove decisive.

After watching Morocco overcome Nigeria on penalties, Fredericks said, “I just think that the host nation is playing this evening against a Nigerian side that stood for themselves.

“They never sat back, they never stopped defending and attacking. They defeated the Super Eagles because they had everything by their side, the home crowd.

“I think in this final, the home side will have the advantages and I think they’ll lift the trophy against Senegal. Since my heart says Senegal, my football brain says Morocco cannot lose against Senegal.”

The final of the AFCON 2025 will kick off at 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 18.