AFCON 2025: Another DR Congo clash looms for Super Eagles as knockout stage puts Nigeria on tough path

Nigeria may have cruised through the group stage with a perfect record, but AFCON 2025 has wasted no time reminding the Super Eagles that dominance early on guarantees nothing later. 

The knockout draw has handed Nigeria a brutally complicated route, one filled with familiar foes and recent heartbreaks.

The Super Eagles topped Group C with a maximum nine points from three matches, finishing ahead of Tunisia, who secured second place with four points. 

Tanzania, despite managing just two points, progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. On paper, Nigeria’s group-stage performance was flawless, but the reward is far from straightforward.

In the Round of 16, Nigeria will face Mozambique, the strongest of the third-placed teams. The Mambas narrowly missed out on a higher group finish after losing their final match to Cameroon, and they arrive in the knockout stage with little to lose. 

While Nigeria will be the clear favourites, this is the kind of fixture that punishes complacency, especially in a tournament where margins are razor-thin.

Should Nigeria overcome Mozambique, an even sterner test awaits. The Super Eagles will face the winner of DR Congo versus Algeria in the quarterfinals, a mouth-watering but dangerous prospect. 

DR Congo, in particular, remain fresh in Nigerian memory after knocking the Super Eagles out of the World Cup qualifying playoffs, adding extra spice to a potential rematch.

Beyond that, the path remains unforgiving. Hosts and favourites Morocco, perennial rivals Cameroon, and South Africa, who topped Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying group, all sit on the same side of the draw. 

Cameroon and South Africa meet in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash, with the winner set to face Morocco or Tanzania, before a possible semifinal against Nigeria.

On the other half of the bracket, Tunisia play Mali, while Senegal or Sudan await in the quarterfinals. Egypt face Benin Republic and could meet defending champions Ivory Coast if they overcome Burkina Faso.

The two semifinal winners will battle for continental glory in the final on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat — a destination Nigeria can reach, but only by surviving AFCON’s toughest road.