Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate the third-place playoff match between Nigeria and Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 17, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Jayed, a seasoned referee with experience in high-profile games, including the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will be assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Akarkad Mostafa, with Hassani Khalil from Tunisia serving as the fourth official. The VAR team will be led by Algerian Lahlou Benbraham, with Haythem Guirat from Tunisia and Hamza El Fariq from Morocco as assistants.
Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey in the match due to suspension, while Egypt looks to bounce back from their semi-final loss. The two teams have faced each other 7 times, with Egypt leading 4-2 and 1 draw.
Nigerians generally view the third-place match in AFCON with a sense of ambivalence, perceiving it as a consolation prize rather than a significant achievement. The prevailing sentiment is that the team’s focus should be on winning the tournament, and anything less is a disappointment.
Many players and coaches have expressed skepticism about the value of playing for third place, citing that it is largely a matter of pride and morale. This sentiment is not unique to Nigeria, as other teams share similar views.
On the other hand, some argue that finishing third is a notable accomplishment, demonstrating the team’s resilience and determination. For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to regain momentum, prove their capabilities, and reaffirm their position as a top team in Africa.
The Nigerian football community remains divided on the significance of the third-place match.
