Egypt and Nigeria booked comfortable quarterfinal spots at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after dominant performances in their round of 16 ties, showcasing attacking firepower and mental resilience as the tournament enters its decisive phase in Morocco. Both sides will now turn their sights to tougher tests in the last eight, but their convincing victories underlined their credentials as serious contenders this year.
Egypt overcame Benin 3-1 after extra time in a gripping last-16 clash in Agadir to secure their place among the final eight nations. After a largely balanced first 90 minutes, it was veteran midfielder Marwan Attia who broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with a superb long-range strike that gave the Pharaohs the lead. Benin, undeterred, fought back late in normal time when Jodel Dossou pounced on a rebound to level the score in the 83rd minute, forcing the match into extra time.
The momentum swung back in Egypt’s favour soon after the restart of extra time when defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to meet Attia’s cross with a looping header, restoring the advantage for the seven-time champions. As Benin pressed for another equaliser, Egypt hit them on the counter, and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory deep in the second period of extra time with a composed finish from a breakaway move. The win capped a hard-fought performance that required patience, tactical discipline and individual quality from the Egyptian stars.
Salah’s late goal was his third of the tournament and came at a crucial moment to send the North Africans through rather than settling the match on penalties. Egypt’s manager Hossam Hassan lauded his players for their resilience, particularly after Benin’s spirited comeback in the closing stages of normal time, and stressed the importance of growing belief as the competition progresses.
Across the country in Fez, Nigeria delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique to advance with perhaps the most convincing scoreline seen in the round of 16 so far. The Super Eagles raced into the lead through Ademola Lookman, whose smart finish in the 20th minute set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance. Just five minutes later, talismanic striker Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage with a close-range effort, giving Nigeria control before halftime.
The second half began in similar fashion for Nigeria, with Osimhen adding his second of the match with a composed finish after a rebound early in the period. The rout was completed in the 75th minute when Akor Adams powered home a third goal for the Super Eagles, capping a night in which Nigeria’s attack simply overwhelmed their opponents. Lookman’s performance was particularly influential; not only did he open the scoring, he also provided key creative impetus throughout and helped set up much of Nigeria’s fluid attacking play.
The Nigerian clean sheet and sizable margin represented a confident statement from a side that had been tipped as one of the favourites. Manager Éric Chelle praised his squad’s attacking cohesion and defensive organisation, noting that such a performance was necessary as the level of competition rises in the latter stages. With their pace, strength and finishing sharpness on display, Nigeria will be a tough draw for any quarterfinal opponent.
Both Egypt and Nigeria now prepare to face challengers drawn from the remaining pool of quarterfinal hopefuls, with Egypt set to meet either Burkina Faso or defending champions Ivory Coast, and Nigeria’s next opponent emerging from the tie between Algeria and DR Congo.
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