The Super Eagles have been paired with Mozambique in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria continue their quest for a fourth continental crown.
Nigeria sealed qualification with a flawless group-stage run, defeating Uganda 3-1 on Tuesday to complete maximum points after earlier wins over Tanzania and Tunisia.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side topped their group with nine points, while Mozambique progressed as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F.
The Mambas secured qualification despite a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final group game on Wednesday. They finished with three points, behind Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, who both recorded seven points, while Gabon ended the group without a point.
Mozambique will now head to Fez to face Nigeria for a place in the quarter-finals.
The encounter will revive memories of the 2010 AFCON meeting between both sides, where goals from Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins handed Nigeria a convincing 3-0 victory.
The winner of the tie, scheduled for Monday, January 5 at the Fez Stadium, will progress to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals.
Other round of 16 fixtures include Cameroon versus South Africa, Tunisia against Mali, Senegal facing Sudan, and hosts Morocco taking on Tanzania.
Egypt will battle Benin Republic for a quarter-final spot, while DR Congo square up against Algeria. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will lock horns with Burkina Faso in a West African derby, as the Elephants chase a rare title defence.
The tournament will observe rest days on Thursday and Friday before the knockout phase kicks off on Saturday.
The AFCON Round of 16 matches will take place from January 3 to 6, 2026, with the quarter-finals scheduled for January 9 and 10.