The Egypt national team held a press briefing ahead of tomorrow’s bronze-medal clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with head coach Hossam Hassan and several key players addressing the media on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Egypt lost a dramatic 1-0 semi-final to Senegal earlier this week but remain focused on finishing the tournament on a high against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Senegal’s late goal denied them a place in the final.
Coach Hossam Hassan acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the final but said overall the tournament has been valuable preparation for Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026** aspirations.
“It has been very good preparation for us. We’ve tried several systems of play throughout the tournament and played against different types of opponents,” Hassan said, reflecting on the team’s run to the semifinals.
He insisted the match versus Nigeria is another chance to sharpen readiness ahead of their World Cup campaign, and stressed that Egypt’s winning mentality remains intact.
“I think tomorrow’s game gives us a chance to continue preparations, but we always want to win. Egypt always plays to win; we are a team who have won seven Cup of Nations in the past,” Hassan added.
Hassan also discussed the fatigue his squad has endured in the tournament, noting injuries and a grueling schedule have tested Egypt’s depth.
“We hoped to qualify for the final but we were not successful,” he said, underlining that reaching the semifinals was still a positive achievement given the challenges.
In more controversial remarks reported by local outlets, Hassan claimed that Egypt’s rich AFCON history and record seven titles fuel jealousy among rivals, comments that have sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Captain and star forward Mohamed Salah featured prominently in the media session, reaffirming his commitment to Egypt’s objectives despite the semifinal setback. Salah, who has scored consistently throughout the tournament, echoed Hassan’s determination to finish strongly.
Also present were Omar Marmoush and Trézéguet, both of whom have been key contributors in attack during Egypt’s AFCON campaign. Their availability and rhythm provide Egypt with multiple tactical options against Nigeria.
Egypt will face Nigeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, seeking to end their Morocco campaign on a positive note and maintain momentum as they transition focus toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup powered by the United States, Canada and Mexico.