AFCON 2025: Egypt Ready for Nigeria Clash as Morocco Delivers a Top-Tier Stage
16 January 2026
Preparation for the Nigeria clash
Mustafa Shobier, Egypt's goalkeeper, says the Pharaohs are training hard for Saturday's match against Nigeria to decide third place in AFCON Morocco 2025 at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
During the training session, he noted that they face a big team with a long history and that the team has prepared well for the game, with expectations that things will go in their favor.
He also acknowledged some frustration after recent results, but reminded that football brings both wins and losses. The squad hoped to bring joy to the Egyptian people and to themselves by reaching the final, yet remain hopeful for better days ahead.
Morocco's organization and the staged setting
On the organization of the continent's tournament, Shobier praised Morocco's handling, saying that they are not here for the first time, the stadiums are beautiful, and the organization is good.
His remarks come as a contrast to recent comments from the Pharaohs' head coach Hassan and his brother Ibrahim Hassan, who had spoken about scheduling and lodging concerns.
In the lead-up to the third-place fixture, AFCON 2025s clash between Egypt and Nigeria is scheduled for January 17, 2026 at 17:00 Casablanca time. The match features both teams with their crests and lineups on display as the CAF competition continues.
Final note: this fixture blends national pride with a touch of football theater. If timing isn’t perfect, at least the coffee will be strong, and perhaps the referees will smile a little more than usual.
Punchline 1: If Morocco’s hospitality were a jersey, everyone would want a size large. Punchline 2: Egypt’s defense is like my Wi-Fi—great at logging in, slower at loading the score.
