Nigeria will square up against one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after completing the group stage with a flawless record.
The Super Eagles sealed top spot in Group C following a 3–1 win over Uganda in their final group game on Tuesday night in Fez. Goals from Paul Onuachu and a second-half brace by Raphael Onyedika ensured Nigeria finished with maximum nine points, ahead of Tunisia and Tanzania.
With the victory, Nigeria are scheduled to meet the third-placed team from Group F, although their exact opponent will only be confirmed after the final round of group matches.
Group F remains finely balanced, with defending champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique all still in contention. Ivory Coast currently sit top of the group on four points, level with Cameroon, with both sides tied on head-to-head results, goals scored and goals conceded. Fair play points presently separate them. Mozambique are third on three points, just one behind the leading duo.
In the final round of fixtures, already-eliminated Gabon will take on Ivory Coast, while Mozambique face Cameroon in a decisive clash that will determine the final standings.
Nigeria’s qualification was further confirmed after Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw with Tunisia, a result that saw the Taifa Stars reach the knockout stage for the first time in their AFCON history, finishing third in Group C ahead of Uganda.
The teams advancing to the Round of 16 include Morocco and Mali from Group A, Egypt and South Africa from Group B, Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania from Group C, Senegal, DR Congo and Benin from Group D, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Sudan from Group E, and Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique from Group F, with final rankings in Groups E and F still to be decided.
Nigeria’s Round of 16 match is slated for Monday, January 5, in Fez, with the full knockout bracket to be confirmed once the group phase concludes.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
