Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they continue their push for a fourth continental crown.
The Super Eagles booked their place as group winners after defeating Uganda 3–1 on Tuesday, completing a flawless group-stage campaign with earlier wins against Tanzania and Tunisia.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side finished with the maximum nine points, underlining their strong form heading into the knockout phase.
Mozambique, on the other hand, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. The Southern Africans ended third in Group F with three points after a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in their final group game on Wednesday. Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon both finished on seven points, while Gabon exited the competition without a point.
The Mambas will now travel to Fez to take on Nigeria for a place in the quarter-finals. The encounter is a repeat of the 2010 AFCON meeting between both sides, when Nigeria claimed a comfortable 3–0 victory thanks to a brace from Osaze Odemwingie and a goal by Obafemi Martins.
The winner of the Round of 16 tie, scheduled for Monday, January 5 at the Fez Stadium, will advance to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Cameroon will lock horns with South Africa in what promises to be one of the most intense matchups of the stage. Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles are set to face Mali, Senegal will battle Sudan, while host nation Morocco will take on Tanzania.
Egypt must overcome Benin Republic to progress, while DR Congo will square off against Algeria. Another major highlight is the West African derby between defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, with the Elephants hoping to become the first team since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the AFCON title.
Thursday and Friday have been designated as rest days at the tournament in Morocco, with knockout action resuming on Saturday. The Round of 16 fixtures will run from January 3 to 6, 2026, while the quarter-finals are scheduled for January 9 and 10.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Fixtures
See the full last 16 fixtures for the 2025 AFCON:
Mali vs Tunisia
Senegal vs Sudan
Egypt vs Benin
Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
South Africa vs Cameroon
Morocco vs Tanzania
Algeria vs Congo DR
Nigeria vs Mozambique
What you should know
Nigeria finished the AFCON 2025 group stage with a perfect record and will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 in Fez.
Mozambique qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, setting up a rematch of their 2010 AFCON encounter, which Nigeria won 3–0.
The winner will meet either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals as the knockout phase begins after a short rest period.
