West African giants Nigeria and Senegal will battle it out for third place in the African Cup of Nations later on Thursday. Captain Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha could be playing his last match for Nigeria after the Bolton midfielder announced he will retire from international football after the 2006 African Cup. Okocha and his teammates will be looking to end the tournament on a high and at least hold on to their favorite "third" place after losing to Ivory Coast 1-0 in the semi-finals. Nigeria finished the 2002 and 2004 tournaments in third place, beating Mali, who did not qualify for the 2006 African Cup, on both occasions. Senegal, on the other hand, felt robbed after dominating hosts Egypt in Tuesday's semi-final, only to lose 2-1 after conceding a late goal and having a penalty claim dismissed. Nevertheless, Senegal, who have been improving gradually throughout the competition, don't want to leave Egypt empty handed. The Teranga Lions had suffered a shock defeat from Nigeria in their final Group D match. After going one goal up in the first half, Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins stunned Senegal with a late double to give the Super Eagles victory and top spot in the group. The third place playoff will take place 1800 (CLT) at the Military Academy Stadium.
