It was a predictable day in Morocco on the penultimate day of the Round of 16. Egypt and Nigeria both moved on by showing authority, physical power, and mental strength.
Nigeria Impress and Establish Themselves as Favorites
Led by the deadly duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles left no chance to Mozambique. By immediately pressing high and aggressively, Nigeria asserted their dominance from the opening minutes.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before Osimhen struck twice in quick succession, at the 25th and 47th minutes. Nigeria continued to dominate the second half, with Osimhen’s determination emblematic of the team’s mindset — illustrated by a heated exchange with Lookman demanding more focus and intensity.
Nigeria eventually sealed the rout with a fourth goal scored by Akor Adams. The Super Eagles now patiently await their next opponent, the winner of the clash between Algeria and DR Congo.
Egypt win without convincing
Against a Benin side that is never easy to face in the Round of 16 — Morocco can attest to that — Egypt took their time to secure qualification. After Attia broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, the Pharaohs were caught off guard by Benin’s equalizer, scored by Dossou following yet another mistake from El Shenawy, the Al Ahly goalkeeper.
In extra time, Egypt’s physical freshness made the difference. From a free kick, Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead with the 2–1 goal, before Mohamed Salah killed off the match on a counterattack.
Without truly convincing in their overall performance, Egypt remain in contention to claim an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title.