Egypt National Football Team vs Nigeria National Football Team Lineups

Egypt and Nigeria are two of the biggest national teams in African football, and whenever the Pharaohs face the Super Eagles, the match attracts enormous attention across the continent.

The most recent competitive meeting between the two sides came in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff on January 17, 2026, in Casablanca, Morocco. The match finished 0-0 after extra time before Nigeria won the penalty shootout 4-2. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Egypt vs Nigeria Lineups

Both teams made changes to their starting lineups because of injuries, suspension and the demands of the tournament. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made six changes from the previous match, while Nigeria also made notable changes, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman initially starting on the bench. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Egypt National Football Team Starting Lineup

Egypt started the match with the following XI:

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Hamdy Fathy, Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Zizo, Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed as the starting XI. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Egypt Substitutes

• Mohamed El Shenawy
• Ahmed El Shenawy
• Mohamed Sobhy
• Ahmed Eid
• Mohamed Ismail
• Mahmoud Saber
• Mohamed Shehata
• Mostafa Fathy
• Osama Faisal
• Ibrahim Adel
• Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Saber were introduced in the second half, while Ibrahim Adel also came on later in the match. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Nigeria National Football Team Starting Lineup

Nigeria also selected a strong starting XI for the third-place playoff against Egypt.

Nigeria's starting lineup featured Stanley Nwabali in goal, with Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence. The midfield included Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, while Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu formed the attacking group. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Nigeria Substitutes

• Francis Uzoho
• Zaidu Sanusi
• Ademola Lookman
• Frank Onyeka
• Victor Osimhen
• Usman Muhammed
• Amas Obasogie
• Alex Iwobi
• Chidozie Awaziem
• Chidera Ejuke
• Salim Fago Lawal
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
• Raphael Alebiosu
• Tyronne Ebuehi

Ademola Lookman came on at half-time for Paul Onuachu, while Alex Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem and Chidera Ejuke were also introduced as the match progressed. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Egypt vs Nigeria Formations

Egypt used a shape built around a four-man defence, with Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed leading the attack.

Nigeria also operated with a four-man defensive structure, while Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu provided the initial attacking threat.

Lineup databases recorded Egypt's setup as a 4-2-3-1 and Nigeria's as a 4-4-2. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Egypt vs Nigeria: Key Players

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah was the biggest name in Egypt's starting lineup. The Liverpool forward and Egypt captain remains one of the most influential African footballers of his generation.

Against Nigeria, Salah started alongside Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet as Egypt looked to create chances in attack.

Stanley Nwabali

Stanley Nwabali started in goal for Nigeria and played an important role during the goalless match.

He made several important interventions during the game, including an early clearance that prevented Egypt from creating a dangerous opportunity.

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman was one of Nigeria's most important attacking options but surprisingly began the match on the bench.

He entered at the beginning of the second half and immediately provided additional attacking energy for the Super Eagles. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen was another notable name among Nigeria's substitutes. The striker did not start the third-place playoff as coach Eric Chelle opted for Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu in attack.

Osimhen's presence on the bench demonstrated the depth available to Nigeria during the tournament.

Egypt vs Nigeria Match Result

The match ended Egypt 0-0 Nigeria after 90 minutes and extra time.

Because the third-place playoff needed a winner, the match went directly to a penalty shootout.

Nigeria won the shootout 4-2 on penalties and claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Egypt vs Nigeria Head-to-Head History

Egypt and Nigeria have a long history of competitive matches in African football.

Their rivalry has produced memorable Africa Cup of Nations encounters, international friendlies and important qualification matches.

Before the 2026 third-place playoff, the two nations had also met in the group stage of AFCON 2021, when Nigeria defeated Egypt 1-0.

They also met in a friendly in Cairo on December 16, 2025, shortly before the AFCON tournament. Egypt won that match 2-1. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Egypt vs Nigeria Previous Recent Meetings

Why Were Osimhen and Lookman on the Bench?

One of the biggest talking points before the third-place playoff was Nigeria's decision not to start Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Both players had been important attacking options during the tournament, but coach Eric Chelle made changes for the match against Egypt.

Lookman was introduced at half-time, replacing Paul Onuachu. Osimhen remained among the substitutes. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Who Had the Stronger Lineup?

On paper, both teams had considerable attacking quality.

Egypt had Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet, Mostafa Mohamed and Emam Ashour, while Nigeria had Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu from the start, with Lookman and Osimhen available as substitutes.

However, Nigeria had greater depth in attack, which became particularly useful when Lookman entered the match in the second half.

The game ultimately could not be decided during open play, with Nigeria winning the bronze medal through the penalty shootout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Egypt vs Nigeria lineup?

Egypt started with Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Hamdy Fathy, Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Zizo, Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed. Nigeria started with Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Who was Egypt's captain against Nigeria?

Mohamed Salah captained Egypt in the third-place playoff against Nigeria.

Who was Nigeria's goalkeeper against Egypt?

Stanley Nwabali started in goal for Nigeria.

Did Victor Osimhen start against Egypt?

No. Victor Osimhen was among Nigeria's substitutes for the AFCON third-place playoff against Egypt. Ademola Lookman also started on the bench but came on at half-time. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Who won Egypt vs Nigeria?

Nigeria won the match after a penalty shootout. The game finished 0-0 after extra time, with Nigeria winning the shootout 4-2. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

When was Egypt vs Nigeria played?

The AFCON third-place playoff between Egypt and Nigeria was played on 17 January 2026 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Final Thoughts

The Egypt national football team vs Nigeria national football team lineups featured some of the biggest names in African football, including Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

Egypt selected a strong starting XI led by Salah, while Nigeria had the additional attacking options of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen available from the bench.

After a tense 0-0 draw through extra time, Nigeria held their nerve in the penalty shootout to win 4-2 and finish third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

For football fans, the match was another chapter in the long-running rivalry between two of Africa's most recognised national teams.

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References:

https://www.cafonline.com/afcon2025/news/nigeria-extend-perfect-bronze-medal-record-with-penalty-win-over-egypt/

https://english.ahram.org.eg/AfconMatchInfo2025/2025/Egypt-vs.-Nigeria/622.aspx

https://www.skysports.com/football/egypt-vs-nigeria/teams/526844