Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Mozambique’s Mambas in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the conclusion of the group stage on Wednesday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the fixture, which is set for Monday, Jan. 5, at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif in Fes, with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nigeria enters the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s in-form teams, topping Group C with a perfect nine points. The Super Eagles secured wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, scoring eight goals and conceding four.
Standout performers include Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika, who have each scored twice. Other contributors to Nigeria’s group-stage tally are Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Paul Onuachu.
Mozambique reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. The Mambas advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a resilient campaign in Group F, which included a 2-1 loss to Cameroon, an opening defeat to holders Ivory Coast, and a crucial victory over Gabon.
History favors the Super Eagles in this matchup. Of their five previous senior-level meetings, Nigeria has won four. Their only prior AFCON clash was in 2010, when they defeated Mozambique 3-0 in Angola, with a brace from Peter Odemwingie and a late goal from Obafemi Martins.
Tournament organizers predict an intense game, noting Mozambique’s ability to “stand toe-to-toe with the big teams.”
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo on Jan. 9.
