The stage is officially set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 stage in Morocco.
Following the conclusion of the group stage matches on Wednesday, it has been confirmed that Nigeria will play Mozambique in the AFCON round of 16 in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Stade Foot Fès in Fes.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Nigeria’s men’s national team, the Super Eagles secured their spot with an impeccable record, topping Group C after a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda.
Under the guidance of Coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria finished the group stage with a perfect nine points, having previously brushed aside Tunisia and Tanzania.
This dominant form has positioned them as one of the tournament favorites as they head into the business end of the competition.
On the other hand, Mozambique’s journey to the knockout rounds was far more precarious. Despite a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final Group F match on Wednesday, the Mambas managed to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.
This resilience sets up the high-stakes match where Nigeria will play Mozambique in the AFCON round of 16 on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Historically, Nigeria has held the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations last met in a competitive setting during a friendly in October 2023, where the Super Eagles edged out a 3-2 victory.
The winner of this clash will move one step closer to the ultimate prize in Rabat. For Nigeria, the mission is clear: secure a fourth continental title. For Mozambique, the goal is to cause perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
Below is the list of the total of 16 nations that have progressed from the group stage:
Group A: Morocco, Mali
Group B: Egypt, South Africa
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan
Group F: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique
Round of 16 matches will be played in Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, and Marrakesh — key host cities for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, PUNCH Online reports.
Confirmed Round of 16 Fixtures (with venues & GMT kick‑offs):
January 3 – Saturday
• Senegal vs 3rd Place Group E — Tangier (16:00 GMT)
• Mali vs Tunisia — Casablanca (19:00 GMT)
January 4 – Sunday
• Morocco vs Tanzania — Rabat (16:00 GMT)
• South Africa vs 2nd Place Group F — Rabat (19:00 GMT)
January 5 – Monday
• Egypt vs Benin — Agadir (16:00 GMT)
• Nigeria vs 3rd Place Group F (Mozambique) — Fez (19:00 GMT)
January 6 – Tuesday
• Algeria vs Democratic Republic of Congo — Rabat (16:00 GMT)
• 1st Group F vs 2nd Group E — Marrakesh (19:00 GMT)
Knockout matches tied after 90 minutes will go to extra time and, if needed, penalties.
