Rabat, Morocco – January 1, 2026
– The Super Eagles of Nigeria have stormed into the Round of 16 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with an impeccable record, topping Group C with maximum nine points from three victories, marking one of the standout performances in the group stage of the tournament hosted in Morocco.
Under coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria delivered a dominant display throughout the group phase:
December 23: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (Goals: Ajayi 36′, Lookman 52′; M’Mombwa 50′)
December 27: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (A thrilling encounter where the Super Eagles held firm after Tunisia mounted a late comeback)
December 30: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (Goals: Onuachu 28′, Onyedika 62′, 67′; Mato 75′)
This flawless run makes Nigeria one of the few teams to achieve a 100% winning record in the groups, joining hosts Morocco and Algeria among the top performers. The 2023 finalists showcased depth, resilience, and attacking flair, even while rotating players in their final match.
Elsewhere, hosts Morocco asserted their credentials as title contenders by topping Group A, highlighted by a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia on December 29, featuring standout performances from Ayoub El Kaabi and captain Achraf Hakimi, who returned from injury.
Defending champions Senegal advanced strongly from Group D, finishing top on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Benin on December 30, with DR Congo also progressing comfortably following their own 3-0 triumph over Botswana.
Burkina Faso secured second place in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Sudan on December 31, joining group winners Algeria in the knockouts.
With the group stage concluding on December 31, the Round of 16 fixtures have been confirmed, promising exciting matchups:
January 3: Senegal vs Sudan
January 3: Mali vs Tunisia
January 4: Morocco vs Tanzania
January 4: South Africa vs Cameroon
January 5: Egypt vs Benin
January 5: Nigeria vs Mozambique
January 6: Algeria vs DR Congo
January 6: Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Mozambique on January 5 at the Fez Stadium, a rematch of their 2010 encounter where Nigeria emerged 3-0 winners. Mozambique qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F.
As the tournament shifts to sudden-death knockout football from January 3-6, fans across Africa eagerly anticipate more drama in Morocco’s six host cities.
Clarion Newschannel brings you live updates, expert analysis, and highlights from AFCON 2025. Stay tuned as the road to the final on January 18 intensifies!
SUPER EAGLES SOAR INTO KNOCKOUTS: Nigeria Perfect in Group Stage, Set for Mozambique Clash in AFCON 2025 Round of 16
