Nigeria will face Mozambique in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the conclusion of a dramatic Group F finale, with the Super Eagles now firmly focused on the knockout phase in Morocco.
The encounter will take place on Monday, 5 January, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00pm, as Nigeria continue their bid to go one better than their runner-up finish at the 2023 tournament.
Nigeria booked the tie by finishing top of their group, delivering one of the most impressive group-stage campaigns at the tournament. Eric Chelle’s side combined control, depth, and attacking efficiency, sealing qualification early and using their final group game to rotate the squad, hand Ryan Alebiosu his international debut, and maintain momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
Mozambique, meanwhile, progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams, earning a historic place in the AFCON knockout stage for the first time. Ranked 102nd in the world, the Mambas announced themselves at the tournament with a thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon, their first-ever victory at an AFCON finals, before pushing tournament heavyweights Cameroon to the limit in their final group match.
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That game saw Mozambique briefly dream of finishing higher in the group after Geny Catamo’s sublime first-half strike, only for Cameroon to fight back and secure second place. Despite the defeat, Mozambique did enough to advance, setting up a daunting but enticing clash with Nigeria.
For the Super Eagles, the fixture offers both opportunity and caution. On paper, Nigeria go into the tie as favourites, but Mozambique have already shown they can trouble more established sides with pace, direct attacking play, and confidence on the ball. Their journey to the last 16 has been built on belief and moments of quality, qualities that often define AFCON knockout football.
Elsewhere in the round of 16, hosts Morocco face Tanzania, South Africa take on Cameroon, Egypt meet Benin, Senegal play Sudan, Mali tackle Tunisia, Algeria face DR Congo, and defending champions Ivory Coast square up against Burkina Faso.
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