Nigeria’s place in the AFCON 2025 round of 16 is already secured after back-to-back wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, confirming the Super Eagles as Group C winners with a game to spare. With six points from two matches, the result of their final group game against Uganda will not affect their position.
That early qualification allows Nigeria to look ahead to the knockout stages, where they will play their round of 16 match on Monday, January 5 at 20:00. The game will take place at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, the same stadium that has hosted all of Nigeria’s group matches so far.
What remains unknown is the opponent.
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How the AFCON Knockout Draw Works
As Group C winners, Nigeria will face one of the four best third-placed teams at AFCON. Based on the tournament bracket, their round of 16 opponent will come from Group A, Group B, or Group F.
With one round of group games remaining, the picture is becoming clearer, though nothing is fully confirmed yet.
Group A:
Morocco, Mali or Zambia
Group A remains open going into the final matchday, with Morocco leading on four points, followed by Mali and Zambia on two, and Comoros on one. Morocco face Zambia, while Mali take on Comoros in the final round.
On paper, Morocco and Mali are expected to win their respective games, which would likely leave Zambia finishing third with two points. That total would almost certainly be too low to rank among the best third-placed teams, making Group A an unlikely source of Nigeria’s round of 16 opponent.
Group B
South Africa, Angola or Egypt
Group B is slightly more complex. Egypt have already secured top spot and cannot face Nigeria in the knockout stages. South Africa sit second on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe both have one.
The final matches see Egypt face Angola, with South Africa taking on Zimbabwe. If Egypt rotate their squad and Angola manage to get a result, while Zimbabwe lose as expected, Angola could finish third with enough points to qualify for the round of 16. That scenario would put them in the frame as a potential opponent for the Super Eagles.
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Group F
Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique
Group F currently looks the most likely source of Nigeria’s round of 16 opponent. Cameroon and Ivory Coast both sit on four points, while Mozambique have three. Gabon are bottom on zero points and already eliminated.
Mozambique face Cameroon in their final group game. Even if they lose, Mozambique’s three-point total could still be enough to secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on results elsewhere. As things stand, Mozambique appear the strongest candidate to finish third and progress.
That makes them the most probable opponent for Nigeria in the round of 16, with Angola remaining a possibility if results fall their way in Group B.
When Will Nigeria’s Opponent Be Confirmed?
The final round of AFCON group games takes place over the next two days, with all permutations expected to be settled by Wednesday night. At that point, Nigeria’s route to the quarter-finals will become official.
For now, the Super Eagles can focus on maintaining momentum against Uganda, knowing their knockout stage date, venue, and group-winning status are already locked in.
The Super Eagles final group stage game vs Uganda is tomorrow at 17:00. Bet on all the action here!
