AFCON: Osimhen, Lookman benched as Chelle names XI vs Egypt

Head coach Eric Chelle has dropped star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to the bench for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff against Egypt national football team.

Chelle rang the changes for Saturday’s clash in Morocco, making five alterations to the side. Midfielder Alex Iwobi is also among the substitutes as the Nigeria national football team play their final match of Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Paul Onuachu leads the attack, while Moses Simon captains the side from the wing. At the back, Igoh Ogbu comes in for the suspended Calvin Bassey — the only defensive change.

Samuel Chukwueze, who missed a penalty in Nigeria’s semi-final defeat, has been recalled to the starting XI. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru completes the midfield trio against the Pharaohs.

Nigeria are chasing a record-extending ninth bronze medal at the AFCON, having never lost a third-place match. The Super Eagles already hold the competition’s highest number of bronze medals (eight), last achieved in 2019 in Egypt with a 1–0 win over Tunisia through an Odion Ighalo strike.

Starting XI:
Nwabali; Ajayi, Ogbu, Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel; Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika, Chukwueze, Simon, Adams, Onuachu