The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 delivered memorable moments on Monday, January 5 202, as Nigeria and Egypt secured their places in the quarter finals.
Both matches offered compelling narratives, with Nigeria displaying a ruthless attacking performance against Mozambique, while Egypt showed resilience to overcome a stubborn Benin side during extra time.
Here is a breakdown of the 5 most unforgettable moments from the day’s action.
Nigeria smashed Mozambique 4-0 to make a huge statement. Their four attackers toyed with the Mozambique defence throughout. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, in particular, were key.
Osimhen scored two goals,a powerful header and another sharp finish set up well by Lookman, who himself thundered the opening goal home. The duo proved why they have won the last two African Player of the Year Awards respectively.
Promising Sevilla attacker Akor Adams scored the other and sealed the win. The Super Eagles will now be facing Egypt in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Ademola Lookman was named Man of the Match. Playing in the number 10 role, the former Everton and Fulham man was an unrelenting force. Aside from the opening goal, he also provided two assists.
His pace, creativity, and effective link-up play with Osimhen were a joy to watch and proved too much for the Mozambican defence to handle. Lookman's display underlined Nigeria's rich attacking talent pool.
Benin’s clash against Egypt was a tight affair. After taking the early lead, Egypt allowed Benin back into the game.
Benin’s persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when a goalmouth scrabble saw the ball bundled over the line by Jodel Dossou. This dramatic late equaliser stunned the Egyptians, forcing the match into extra time.
The Pharaohs eventually won 3-1, as Yasser Ibrahim and Mo Salah scored the second and third goals respectively.
Speaking of Ibrahim, he proved the unlikely hero when he restored Egypt’s lead during the game. A center back, he rose highest to meet a well delivered corer in the 97th minute.
It was his first international goal for Egypt, and what a time to get it. Further down the tournament, that goal may prove integral. Tournaments are won with moments, and players get to establish themselves as heroes. He may end up proving one.
Ever the showman, Mo Salah put the result beyond any doubt in the final minute of extra time.
Breaking clear of the fatigued Benin defence, Salah produced a trademark composed finish to make it 3-1. The goal was a relief for Egyptian fans and sealed their hard-fought progression to the quarter finals.
