Nigeria Super Eagles. Credit: AdekunlexAjayix via Soccernet
Nigeria will take on Mozambique in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the completion of the group stage on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles secured their knockout opponent following the final matches in Groups E and F, which brought an end to the opening phase of the tournament.
Algeria wrapped up Group E with a perfect record after a 3–1 win over Equatorial Guinea, while Burkina Faso beat Sudan 2–0 to finish second.
In Group F, defending champions Ivory Coast came from two goals behind to edge Gabon 3–2 as Cameroon defeated Mozambique 2–1, results that confirmed Mozambique as the third-placed side in the group.
Nigeria had already sealed top spot in Group C with a 100 per cent record, finishing ahead of Tunisia and Tanzania after victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
That return ensured the Eagles would meet one of the third-placed teams from another group, with Mozambique eventually confirmed as their opponents.
There has been some concern among supporters, as Nigeria’s last perfect group-stage run at the tournament in 2021 ended in a round-of-16 exit. However, the current squad will be aiming to convert their strong early form into a deeper run this time.
The full round of 16 line-up sees Mali face Tunisia, Morocco take on Tanzania, Algeria meet DR Congo, Egypt play Benin, Senegal clash with Sudan, South Africa face Cameroon, Burkina Faso play Ivory Coast, and Nigeria square off against Mozambique.
Nigeria’s knockout tie against the Mambas is scheduled for Monday in Fez, where the Super Eagles will look to maintain their momentum and avoid an early setback in the tournament.
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