Nigeria and Egypt Power Into AFCON Quarter-Finals After Convincing Last-16 Wins

Nigeria and Egypt booked their places in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Monday, producing contrasting but equally impressive victories in the round of 16.

Nigeria swept aside Mozambique 4–0 in a dominant display that underlined their growing status as one of the tournament favourites. The Super Eagles controlled the match from start to finish, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice and Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also finding the net.

Nigeria’s intent was evident early on, with Osimhen seeing a second-minute goal ruled out for offside by VAR. The warning went unheeded by Mozambique, as Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Osimhen doubled the lead five minutes later. The Napoli striker completed his brace just two minutes after the restart, effectively ending the contest, before Akor Adams added a fourth in the 70th minute to cap a commanding performance.

Mozambique struggled to impose themselves, with Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, nullifying their attacking threats. The Super Eagles will now face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals, with that tie to be decided on Tuesday.

In contrast, Egypt were pushed to their limits by a resilient Benin side before eventually securing a 3–1 victory after extra time at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. The Pharaohs endured a difficult first half, struggling to break down a well-organised Benin team and relying on patience and experience to see them through.

Marwan Attia broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, but Benin responded through Jodel Dossou in the 83rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to force extra time. Egypt regained control in the 97th minute when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from a cross, before Mohamed Salah sealed the win deep into stoppage time with a composed counter-attacking finish.

The victory sends Egypt into the last eight, where they will meet the winner of the tie between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. While Benin exit the tournament, they do so with pride after a spirited and disciplined performance against one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

With Nigeria cruising and Egypt showing resilience under pressure, both giants march into the quarter-finals with momentum and belief as the tournament enters its decisive phase.