The only chance to redeem themselves- Ighalo sends warning to Super Eagles ahead of Egypt clash

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has urged Nigeria to defeat Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place match.

Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has urged the Super Eagles to end their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a positive note by defeating Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Ighalo made the call following Nigeria’s painful 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semi-final.

What Ighalo said

Speaking as a guest analyst on SuperSport, the former Watford and Manchester United forward emphasised the importance of securing the bronze medal.

He described it as a chance for redemption after a difficult tournament.

“This team has a chance to fight for bronze,” Ighalo said.

He added, “I was there in 2019; I was sad against Algeria in the semifinal, but it is what it is.”

Ighalo warned that Egypt would pose a serious challenge, noting that the seven-time African champions would also be eager to avoid leaving the tournament empty-handed.

“Egypt will want to redeem themselves to get something back home, so I want Nigeria to go all out in that game to try to win,” he added.

The former striker stressed that the third-place match represents Nigeria’s final opportunity to give fans something to celebrate, especially after missing out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup and failing to reach the AFCON final.

“I believe Nigeria will do well in that game and try to win because they don’t have anything to appease the fans back home,” Ighalo said.

“They are not going to the World Cup, now they are not playing the final, so they only have this chance now to redeem themselves.”