Ighalo Backs Eagles as Fredericks Eyes Moroccan Glory

Odion Ighalo, the former Manchester United and Nigerian international striker, has expressed firm confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome their semi-final heartbreak to defeat Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place play-off this Saturday. The veteran forward believe the clash in Casablanca is the only way for the team to salvage pride after their grueling exit at the hands of the host nation.

Nigeria’s dreams of a continental title were dashed on Wednesday night in Rabat, where they fell 4-2 on penalties to Morocco following a tense goalless draw over 120 minutes. The shootout proved costly for the Super Eagles, as Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi failed to convert their spot-kicks, allowing the Atlas Lions to advance to the final in front of a deafening home crowd.

Speaking as a pundit for SuperSport, Ighalo admitted that while no team truly relishes playing the “losers’ final,” the Super Eagles have a moral obligation to the fans. He reflected on his own experience in 2019, where Nigeria secured bronze after a painful semi-final loss to Algeria. For the current squad, led by coach Eric Chelle, the motivation must be redemption, especially after failing to secure a 2026 World Cup berth earlier in the year.

The task will not be easy, as Egypt enters the match with a similar hunger for consolation. The Pharaohs were edged out 1-0 by Senegal in their own semi-final clash, courtesy of a late strike by Sadio Mané. Ighalo warned that the North African giants would be desperate to return home with a medal, meaning Nigeria must go “all out” to ensure they do not finish the tournament empty-handed.

While Nigeria focuses on the bronze, international attention is shifting toward Sunday’s heavyweight final between Morocco and Senegal. Former South African international Stanton Fredericks has analyzed the match-up, ultimately tipping the Atlas Lions to keep the trophy on home soil. Fredericks noted that Morocco’s ability to withstand Nigeria’s relentless pressure in the semi-finals proved their championship mettle.

Fredericks admitted that while his emotional preference lies with Senegal’s “Lions of Teranga,” his logical analysis favors Walid Regragui’s side. He cited the immense advantage of the home crowd and the psychological boost of their shootout victory as factors that will make Morocco nearly impossible to beat in Rabat. He believes the hosts have the “football brain” and the momentum to overcome the 2021 champions.

The third-place play-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, at the Mohammed V Stadium. This will serve as the final dress rehearsal before the main event on Sunday, where Morocco will seek their first AFCON title in 50 years against a formidable Senegalese side looking to reclaim their throne as the kings of African football.

For the Super Eagles, a victory over Egypt would provide a small measure of peace for a nation still reeling from the semi-final loss. As Ighalo noted, a bronze medal is “something to appease the fans,” ensuring that a tournament defined by resilience does not end in a total lack of hardware.