The Super Eagles of Nigeria have learned the identity of the three nations they could face in the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following their triumphant group stage campaign. By securing maximum points against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, the West African giants clinched the top spot in Group C, a result that traditionally pits them against one of the most successful third-placed finishers.
According to current tournament permutations, Éric Chelle’s squad is on a collision course with a representative from Group F, which features heavyweights Cameroon, defending champions Ivory Coast, and a resilient Mozambique side.
Prominent football analyst and former national team press officer, Colin Udoh, shared these insights via his X account on Tuesday, detailing the specific scenarios that would determine Nigeria’s next rival. Udoh noted that the final standings in Group F will officially confirm the matchup, with all three nations remaining mathematically capable of finishing in the third-place slot that feeds into Nigeria’s bracket.
The analyst suggested that a potential clash with Cameroon remains a high probability, reminiscent of the storied rivalry’s previous encounters in the tournament’s latter stages.
“Nigeria will play the best third-placed team in Group F. At this time, that can be any of CIV, Cameroon or Mozambique. Gabon are unlikely to beat CIV, so that removes the Elephants, even if they draw. But Mozambique could well do the unthinkable and beat Cameroon. That means Nigeria play Cameroon. Just like in 2019,” Udoh wrote.
The Super Eagles will enjoy a short period of recuperation before their elimination fixture, scheduled for Monday night, January 5, 2026, at the Fez Stadium. While Nigeria enters the knockout rounds with high confidence and an unblemished record, the prospect of facing a team of Cameroon or Ivory Coast’s caliber in the first knockout game presents a formidable hurdle.
Coach Chelle remains focused on maintaining the tactical discipline that saw his side score eight goals in the opening round, while fans across the continent eagerly await the final Group F results on Wednesday to see which African giant will challenge the Super Eagles for a place in the quarter-finals.
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