The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the second team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) round of 16 after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on Saturday, reports Soccernet.ng.
With a six-point haul from two games, Nigeria is guaranteed to finish as Group C winners, regardless of the result of their final group stage match against Uganda.
While the team prepares for Tuesday's clash with the Cranes, attention has already shifted to the knockout stages. However, their opponent remains unconfirmed.
In this piece, Soccernet.ng analyzes the potential teams Nigeria could face in the round of 16.
The Rules of AFCON 2025 Draw
According to the tournament bracket, the winner of Group C will face one of the best third-placed teams from Group A, B, or F.
Since Nigeria has already sealed the top spot, here is how those groups currently look:
Group A: An Unlikely Source
Group A remains wide open with one game left. Morocco leads with four points, followed by Mali and Zambia with two points each, while Comoros sits bottom with one.
In the final round, Morocco faces Zambia, and Mali takes on Comoros. On paper, Morocco and Mali are expected to win due to their superior quality.
If this happens, Zambia and Comoros will likely finish with two points and one point respectively. Such potentially low points tallisles make it highly unlikely that a third-placed team from this group will rank among the four best third-placed teams to qualify for the next round.
Group B: The Angola Wildcard
The situation in Group B is somewhat similar. Egypt has already secured the top spot, meaning Nigeria cannot face them.
South Africa currently sits second with three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one point apiece.
The final matchday will be a fight to the death. Egypt play Angola, while Zimbabwe lock horns with Bafana Bafana.
While the Pharaohs and South Africans are favorites, there is a chance Egypt might take their foot off the gas, having already qualified.
If Angola pulls off an upset and Zimbabwe lose to South Africa as expected, Angola could qualify as a third-placed team, making them a potential opponent for the Super Eagles.
Group F: The Most Likely Opponents
Group F is the most competitive. Cameroon and Ivory Coast lead with four points each, while Mozambique follows closely with three.
Gabon, with zero points, are eliminated. Even if they beat Ivory Coast to reach three points, their head-to-head loss to Mozambique keeps them at the bottom.
Mozambique face Cameroon in their final game. While the Indomitable Lions are the favorites, Mozambique is already in a strong position to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams with their current three points.
So, as it stands, there is a high probability that the Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the round of 16.
Angola remain a possibility, but they would need to get a result against Egypt first — a very difficult task.
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The final round of group games begins today. By Wednesday night, Nigeria’s path will be officially confirmed.
