The Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they continue their quest for a fourth continental crown.
Nigeria sealed a 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday to preserve their perfect record in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following earlier wins against Tanzania and Tunisia.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side finished the group with a maximum nine points, while Uganda ended third in Group F, a position that secured them qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Mozambique, however, lost 2–1 to Cameroon in their final group game on Wednesday and finished on three points, behind Côte d’Ivoire and the Indomitable Lions, who both amassed seven points. Gabon ended the group without a point.
Mozambique will now travel to Fez to face Nigeria in the Round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The encounter will revive memories of the 2010 AFCON clash between both sides, when braces from Osaze Odemwingie and a strike by Obafemi Martins handed Nigeria a 3–0 victory.
The winner of the tie, scheduled for Monday, January 5 at the Fez Stadium, will advance to meet either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Cameroon will lock horns with South Africa in one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage. Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles will face Mali, Senegal take on Sudan, and host nation Morocco will battle Tanzania. Egypt must overcome Benin Republic to progress, while DR Congo square off against Algeria.
A keenly anticipated West African derby will see defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on Burkina Faso, as the Elephants chase the chance to become the first team since Egypt in 2010 to successfully retain the AFCON title.
Following rest days on Thursday and Friday, the knockout phase of the tournament begins on Saturday. The Round of 16 will be played from January 3 to 6, 2026, with the quarter-finals scheduled for January 9 and 10.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Fixtures:
Nigeria vs Mozambique
Mali vs Tunisia
Senegal vs Sudan
Egypt vs Benin Republic
Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
South Africa vs Cameroon
Morocco vs Tanzania
Algeria vs DR Congo
