The greetings are over. Plates have been cleared. The group chats have mellowed, not because people aren’t watching, but because everyone is finally paying attention. AFCON 2025 has officially moved on from pleasantries to decisions.
After two weeks of drama, surprises, heartbreak, and bragging rights, the group stage has adjourned. Some teams have settled in comfortably.
Others are already packing their bags with long faces and unanswered questions. Now comes the real meeting. The one where nobody is smiling for photos anymore.
Before the Round of 16 kicks off, here’s a proper debrief on who impressed, who shocked us, who disappointed, and why Nigeria is walking into the knockout rounds with confidence but with caution.
The Valedictorians: Who Ate Well at the AFCON 2025 Group Stage
Only two teams left the group stage with spotless records and maximum respect.
Nigeria: The First Son Is Standing Tall
Three games. Three wins. Nine points. Eight goals. No arguments. Under Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles didn’t just qualify early, they did it with authority.
The football has been bold, confident, and sharp. Ademola Lookman has been everywhere, topping the tournament ratings with two goals and two assists in just two matches.
Victor Osimhen has led from the front with hunger and noise.
Raphael Onyedika even found time to announce himself with goals of his own. Nigeria didn’t sneak through the group. They walked through it.
Algeria: Quietly Back at the High Table
After two AFCONs best forgotten, Algeria finally look like themselves again. Three wins, seven goals, one conceded.
Riyad Mahrez is smiling again, which usually means trouble for everyone else.
They didn’t shout. They didn’t rush. They just did their job.
The Surprise Achievers: Nobody Saw These Coming
Every family meeting has that one relative who shocks everyone.
Mozambique: From Guests to Contenders
History makers. First-ever AFCON knockout appearance. First-ever AFCON win. And not just any win, a wild 3–2 comeback against Gabon.
Now they meet Nigeria next. And no one is laughing anymore.
Benin: Pulling Up a Chair
Benin’s 1–0 win over Botswana wasn’t flashy, but it was historic. Their first AFCON victory, and now a Round of 16 date with Egypt. The Cheetahs are no longer just happy to be here.
Sudan: Old Fire, New Fight
Ranked low, expectations even lower, but Sudan fought their way through and reminded everyone that pedigree doesn’t disappear completely.
The Uncles Who Should Know Better
Cameroon: Through, But On Warning
Yes, they qualified. But it was uncomfortable. Slow starts, narrow margins, and moments that didn’t match the reputation. South Africa now await, and that could be a very short knockout story if nothing changes.
Tunisia: Almost, But Not Quite
Disciplined on paper, shaky in reality. After being dragged into a shootout by Nigeria, Tunisia haven’t looked like the machine many expected.
The Disappointments: Please Greet the Door
Gabon: Meeting Ended in Chaos
From suspension to sackings, Gabon’s campaign fell apart fast. A family meeting gone completely wrong.
Zambia: Talent Without Balance
Plenty of attacking promise, not enough control. The bags are packed.
Ghana: Watching From Home
No invitation. No seat. Just vibes and noise from the couch. It happens. You’re going to the World Cup
Nigeria’s Report Card: Excellent… With Caution
On paper, Nigeria look frightening. Even with eight starters rested against Uganda, the Super Eagles still won comfortably. Depth? Check. Confidence? Check.
That said, it wasn’t flawless. The Eagles conceded in every game and almost threw away a three-goal lead against Tunisia.
There have been moments, especially in second halves, where focus dipped when things were going well. In the knockouts, those lapses won’t be forgiven.
The elders remind us before that the last time Nigeria had a perfect group stage, Tunisia sent us home early. Celebration is allowed, overconfidence is not.
Next up: Mozambique. Dangerous. Fearless. Nothing to lose.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Fixtures
Saturday, January 3
- Senegal vs Sudan — 5:00pm
- Mali vs Tunisia — 8:00pm
Sunday, January 4
- Morocco vs Tanzania — 5:00pm
- South Africa vs Cameroon — 8:00pm
Monday, January 5 (Circle This One)
- Egypt vs Benin — 5:00pm
- Nigeria vs Mozambique — 8:00pm
Tuesday, January 6
- Algeria vs DR Congo — 5:00pm
- Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — 8:00pm
Final Whistle Before Kickoff
This is no longer about form tables or good intentions. One bad half and it’s over. One moment of brilliance and you’re a hero.
Nigeria are ready. Africa is watching. Charge your devices. Clear your evening. Knockout AFCON has arrived.
