The group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has concluded with Nigerian football in the spotlight. The Super Eagles became one of only two teams to achieve a perfect record with maximum nine points, quietly announcing themselves as contenders for continental glory..
Nigeria swept through Group C with three consecutive victories, marking the fourth time they’ve completed a perfect group stage run at AFCON, adding to similar achievements in 1992, 2006, and 2022. Under coach Eric Chelle, the three-time champions demonstrated both attacking flair and mental fortitude across their three matches.
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a hard-fought victory against the Taifa Stars. Semi Ajayi gave Nigeria the lead in the 36th minute. Five minutes into the second half, Tanzania equalised through Charles M’Mombwa but Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the winner two minutes after, as Nigeria held firm to claim all three points.
Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
The standout performance of the group stage came against Tunisia in what turned into a five-goal thriller in Fez. Victor Osimhen finally broke his AFCON goal drought, scoring his second-ever goal at the tournament with a brilliant near-post header from Lookman’s cross just before halftime. The Galatasaray striker’s celebration was notably aggressive, earning him a booking after chirping at the Tunisian bench.
Wilfred Ndidi broke free inside the box to head in from a Lookman corner in the 50th minute for his first international goal, before Lookman himself got on the scoresheet in the 67th minute after a composed square ball from Osimhen. Tunisia mounted a late comeback with goals from Montassar Talbi and a penalty from Ali Al-Abdi, but Nigeria’s quality shone through.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
The Super Eagles sealed their perfect record against Uganda with goals from Paul Onuachu in the 28th minute and a brace from Raphael Onyedika in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Uganda’s task became harder when Salim Magoola received a red card in the 56th minute. Rogers Mato scored a consolation for Uganda, but Nigeria cruised to victory.
Ademola Lookman has emerged as Nigeria’s standout performer, registering four direct goal involvements across Nigeria’s opening two matches before being rested for the Uganda game. The Atalanta forward has been devastating in transition, attacking defenders one-on-one and providing the cutting edge that Nigeria lacked during World Cup qualifying.
Lookman appeared everywhere against Tunisia, drifting right to run at defenders, going left to deliver crosses, dropping into pockets between the lines, and arriving late in the box.
Nigeria finished as the tournament’s highest-scoring team in the group stage with eight goals from six different scorers, highlighting their depth and unpredictability. Lookman and Onyedika scored twice each, while Osimhen, Ajayi, Ndidi, and Onuachu all contributed.
Algeria matched Nigeria’s flawless run, dominating Group E with three wins from three. The Desert Foxes demonstrated their credentials as serious contenders with clinical performances throughout the group stage.
Morocco topped Group A as hosts, advancing confidently with strong performances that have made them tournament favorites on home soil. The Atlas Lions will be looking to claim their second AFCON title, having last won in 1976.
Egypt secured first place in their group, edging out South Africa, led by talisman Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile, Senegal topped Group D on goal difference, with DR Congo also advancing after matching them on points.
Ivory Coast finished level on points with Cameroon but claimed top spot in Group F via goal difference. The Elephants, seeking to defend their 2023 title, navigated a competitive group to secure their knockout berth.
The best third-placed teams that qualified were Mozambique, Sudan, Benin, and Tanzania, completing the Round of 16 lineup.
The knockout phase runs from Saturday, January 3, to Tuesday, January 6, with two matches scheduled daily at 17:00 and 20:00 local time (16:00 and 19:00 GMT).
Saturday, January 3
Sunday, January 4
Monday, January 5
Tuesday, January 6
Nigeria will face Mozambique, who are making their first appearance in an AFCON knockout stage. Mozambique secured their progress with a 3-2 win over Gabon, ending a 40-year wait for a victory at the continental finals. With their perfect record, attacking versatility, and Lookman in scintillating form, the Super Eagles have sent a clear message to the rest of the continent. However, they’ll be mindful of their recent AFCON history—despite reaching the final in 2023, they fell short against hosts Ivory Coast.
As the tournament moves into the knockout stages, Nigeria’s blend of experience and emerging talent positions them as genuine challengers for their fourth AFCON title and first since 2013, but history usually doesn’t favour teams that win all three group stage games. The last time this happened for the Super Eagles, they lost in the next round against Tunisia.
The stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase, and the Super Eagles are quietly in the mix alongside the likes of hosts Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, and defending champions Ivory Coast. The question now is whether the Super Eagles can maintain their momentum when the margins become even finer and the stakes grow higher, with the ultimate prize—the trophy in Rabat on January 18, 2026—within reach.
