CAF Names Match Officials for AFCON 2025 Third-Place Playoff Between Nigeria and Egypt

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the match officials for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff clash between Nigeria and Egypt, scheduled for Saturday.

According to CAF, Jalal Jayed will take charge of the encounter as the centre referee. He will be supported by assistants Zakaria Brinsi, Akarkad Mostafa and Hassani Khalil, ensuring officiating coverage across the pitch.

Peter Waweru Kamaku has been appointed as the fourth official for the match, while Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Lahlou Benraham. He will be assisted by Haythem Guirat and Hamza El Fariq. CAF also named Sinko Zeli as the referee assessor for what will be the penultimate match of the tournament.

The fixture between the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs brings together two of Africa’s most decorated football nations, both seeking to end their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

Opinion: A Crucial Test of Fairness and Focus

Given the emotions surrounding Nigeria’s dramatic semi-final exit against hosts Morocco, the appointment of match officials will be closely scrutinised by fans and analysts alike. With experienced referees and a full VAR team in place, CAF appears determined to ensure fairness and limit controversy in a game that still carries pride, ranking points and bragging rights.

For Nigeria and Egypt, the focus must shift from past disappointments to finishing strong. A disciplined performance, combined with calm officiating, could turn this playoff into a fitting finale for two giants of African football — and a reminder that even outside the final, AFCON glory is always about dignity, resilience and belief.