Day 16 of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered no huge surprises, as Ivory Coast and Algeria both sealed their quarter-final tickets.
However, there was still plenty to talk about the historic tournament, which is now properly approaching its business end. Algeria needed a last-gasp goal during extra time to advance. Viktor Osimhen caused yet another moment of controversy.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo continued his hot goalscoring streak for Ivory Coast. Here are the five most memorable moments from the knockout rounds on Tuesday, January 6th 2026.
The first match on the day between Algeria and DR Congo was a cagey affair, seemingly destined for a penalty shootout.
With the clock ticking down and only seconds remaining in extra time, Algerian substitute Adil Boulbina produced a moment of magic.
He latched onto a cross and unleashed a ferocious strike that found the back of the net in the 119th minute. It secured a dramatic 1-0 victory and a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals for the Desert Foxes.
Algeria will now be taking on Nigeria in the quarter finals on Saturday from 4.00 PM GMT.
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo put on a stellar performance as Ivory Coast dismantled Burkina Faso 3-0 in their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash
Diallo was a constant threat down that right hand side. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a neat finish, calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper.
It is now his third goal of the campaign, and it puts him firmly in the race for the golden boot.
He will also be keeping an eye on clinching the most valuable player of the tournament award, with Ivory Coast hungry to retain their crown.
Diallo was not finished after his goal. He also turned provider, delivering a precise cutback for Yan Diomande to double the Ivorians’ lead with a first-time finish in the 32nd minute.
The victory was sealed by an incredible solo effort from substitute Bazoumana Toure. The substitute surged from deep inside his own half on a counterattack before firing home a spectacular third goal to cap a superb team performance.
Ivory Coast’s commanding 3-0 victory saw them become the first reigning AFCON champions since Egypt in 2010 to win a knockout game in their title defense.
The dominant performance booked their quarter-final spot against Egypt, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the two giants of African football.
The biggest headline of the day occurred off the pitch, and it involved Viktor Osimhen. During Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique on Monday, the Galatasaray forward scored a brace, both assisted by Ademola Lookman.
However, in the 64th minute, Lookman failed to find the former Napoli man while in a good position to score, which made Osimhen incandescent. He angrily confronted his teammate before gesticulating to the bench to be taken off. Following the game, he stormed down the tunnel before reportedly throwing down his accreditation and threatening to “go back to Turkey”.
However, reports from the Nigeria Football Federation claim they solved the issue between the two. Lookman described Osimhen as “his brother” following the game. He also posted photos of himself celebrating alongside Osimhen on Instagram, captioned “ALWAYS TOGETHER”.
Osimhen was spotted in good spirits in training on Tuesday. It indicates all is well. Ahead of their quarter final clash with Algeria next Saturday, they will need to show this spirit practically.
Day 16 encapsulated everything that makes the Africa Cup of Nations so compelling.
With heavyweight quarter-final clashes now confirmed and tensions rising, the tournament promises even more unforgettable moments as Africa’s best battle for continental supremacy.
