Egypt Goalkeeper Confident Ahead of AFCON 2025 Third-Place Clash With Nigeria

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Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, has expressed optimism that his team is fully prepared for their third-place playoff match against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the fixture as both challenging and familiar.

Speaking to reporters in Morocco ahead of the game, Shobeir acknowledged Nigeria’s strength but stressed that Egypt is determined to secure a medal and end the tournament on a high note.

“Of course, it’s an important game against strong opponents,” Shobeir said. “We’ll give our best. Our goal is to bring a medal back to Egypt. That’s it.”

Nigeria, known for their attacking style throughout the tournament, have impressed fans with their forward play. When asked if the Super Eagles’ offensive approach added pressure on Egypt’s defence, Shobeir remained composed.

“When you play in AFCON, every team has a strong attack,” he explained. “It’s normal to face top-level opponents. We are preparing well, and we’ve studied them carefully. So we’re ready.”

Shobeir also highlighted the recent familiarity between the two sides, noting that Egypt and Nigeria had played a friendly match just weeks before the tournament began.

“We played a friendly against them about a month ago in Egypt,” he said. “We know them well, and of course, they know us and have studied our game closely.”

The third-place playoff between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Egypt’s Pharaohs is scheduled to kick off today, January 17, at 5 p.m.