Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu is set to join Nigeria’s defensive line for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff against Egypt following the suspension of Calvin Bassey.

Bassey will sit out the match after receiving his second yellow card of the knockout stages during Nigeria’s semi-final loss to Morocco on Wednesday. His absence paves the way for Ogbu, who featured in the Super Eagles’ final group match against Uganda and came on as a substitute in the quarter-final victory over Algeria.

Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to make adjustments to the team as Nigeria aims to conclude the tournament on a high note. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Despite the suspension, Chelle praised Bassey’s performance throughout the tournament, calling his contributions impressive.

“Calvin [Bassey] will not play in the Egypt match,” Chelle said at his pre-match briefing. “Captain Wilfred Ndidi also missed the game against Morocco due to suspension. Calvin had a great AFCON tournament, but we have players who can step into his role. My job is to choose the best option for the team in this game against Egypt.”

The AFCON 2025 third-place playoff between Nigeria and Egypt kicks off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time, while the final between hosts Morocco and Senegal is set for 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18.

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