Nigeria Likely to Face Mozambique if They Finish Top of Group C

Nigeria are set to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if the Super Eagles finish top of Group C.

Mozambique have emerged as the strongest possible third-placed team Nigeria could meet in the knockout stage. The Mambas recorded one win and one loss in their first two group matches, ending with three points. This places them above other third-placed teams still in contention.

Nigeria have made an impressive start to the tournament, winning their first two Group C matches to collect six points. The Super Eagles only need to avoid defeat against Uganda in their final group game on Tuesday, December 30, to secure first place in the group.

Under the AFCON format, the top two teams from each of the six groups qualify for the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams, making up the Round of 16.

CAF fixtures show that the winners of Group C will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, B or F. With Group A and Group B already completed, Comoros and Angola finished third with just two points each and failed to make the cut.

Mozambique, who sit third in Group F with three points, therefore stand out as Nigeria’s most likely opponents. They will face Cameroon in their final group match on December 31, but have already done enough to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Elsewhere, Zambia were knocked out after suffering a heavy 3–0 defeat to hosts Morocco, while Angola also failed to progress despite holding Egypt to a goalless draw in their final group match.

The Round of 16 match between Nigeria and Mozambique is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at the Fez Stadium, with kick-off set for 8:00 pm.