Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir has stated that his team is fully prepared for their third-place playoff clash against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the encounter as an important test against a familiar opponent.

Speaking to reporters in Morocco ahead of the match, Shobeir acknowledged the quality of the opposition while stressing Egypt’s determination to end the tournament on a positive note. The goalkeeper said the squad is focused on delivering a strong performance and securing a medal for their country.

“Of course, it's an important game against tough opponents,” Shobeir said. “We'll try our best. We try to take a medal back to Egypt. That's it.”

Nigeria are widely regarded as one of the most attack-minded teams in the competition, and Shobeir was asked whether the Super Eagles’ aggressive offensive style places extra pressure on Egypt’s defensive unit.

In response, the goalkeeper played down concerns, explaining that facing high-level attacking teams is part of the Afcon experience.

“When you play in Afcon, you will play against all teams. They're all offensive,” he said. “So it's normal to play against the high against the highest levels. So we expect that we prepare well and then we study them also. So it's okay.”

Shobeir also highlighted the familiarity between both sides, noting that Egypt and Nigeria recently faced each other in a friendly match.

According to him, that encounter, along with detailed preparation, has ensured that neither team will be taken by surprise.

“And we played against them a friendly game just A month ago in Egypt,” Shobeir stated. “So we know them very well and of course they know us and they watch us very good.”

The third-place match presents an opportunity for Egypt to finish the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on a high after a disappointing semi-final exit. 

Wale Adejumo