Salah Shines for Egypt, Osimhen Powers Nigeria Into AFCON Quarters

Egypt and Nigeria both moved into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Monday, powered by star forwards Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. Egypt needed extra time to beat Benin 3-1 in Agadir, while Nigeria swept aside Mozambique 4-0 in Fes, recording the biggest AFCON knockout win since 2010.

Liverpool forward Salah struck after 124 minutes to finally settle a tense tie for Egypt, whose seven Africa Cup of Nations titles remain a record, although the last came in 2010. Nigeria, chasing a response after missing the World Cup, enjoyed a far smoother night as Osimhen and Ademola Lookman tore through Mozambique.

Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria crush Mozambique in last-16 tie

On a wet evening in Fes, Nigeria controlled their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash from the start. Lookman broke the deadlock after 20 minutes, finishing a move started by Akor Adams. Mozambique struggled to track the forward’s movement, and Nigeria’s early tempo quickly turned the match into a one-sided contest.

Osimhen began the game without his usual protective mask but soon returned to it. Minutes later, the Napoli striker doubled Nigeria’s lead on 25 minutes after a Lookman cross from the left was flicked on by Adams. Nigeria kept pressing, showing clear intent to avoid any late drama in the knockout round.

Africa Cup of Nations: Osimhen and Lookman lead Super Eagles charge

The Galatasaray forward then struck again just after half-time, converting another Lookman delivery to make it 3-0. That goal was Osimhen’s third in three games, following seven previous Cup of Nations appearances without scoring. The link-up between Lookman and Osimhen repeatedly opened gaps in the Mozambique defence throughout the contest.

Lookman stayed involved until late in the match. The Atalanta player produced another assist as Sevilla forward Adams drove in Nigeria’s fourth goal, around 15 minutes from time. That 4-0 result matched Egypt’s 2010 semi-final victory over Algeria as the biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout fixture.

"I am very happy. It was a good performance from the team, scoring four goals. There is lots to be happy with. Hopefully we can keep up the good work," said Lookman, named man of the match. Mozambique exited the tournament, but reached the knockout phase for the first time in their history.

Africa Cup of Nations: Salah strikes late as Egypt survive Benin scare

Earlier in Agadir, Egypt endured a far tighter Africa Cup of Nations tie against Benin. Marwan Attia finally broke the deadlock on 69 minutes, driving a precise shot into the roof of the net from just outside the area, after being picked out by Mohamed Hany on the edge of the box.

Benin, ranked 57 places below Egypt in the FIFA standings, refused to fold and forced extra time. Jodel Dossou equalised in the 83rd minute from close range, after goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy initially reacted well to turn away a Mohamed Tijani cross near the goal-line, only for Egypt’s defence to switch off.

Memories of Egypt’s 2024 exit, when the team lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 16, briefly resurfaced as the match went beyond 90 minutes. Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead seven minutes into extra time with a firm header, easing some of the tension among Egypt’s supporters.

Salah then completed the 3-1 win on a stoppage-time breakaway in extra time, claiming a third goal at this tournament and keeping alive the chase for a long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations title. Egypt will stay in Agadir and meet either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in Saturday’s quarter-final, facing the defending champions or their neighbours.

"Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were tough opponents. Egypt are a great team and I want to make my people happy," said Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan, who watched Salah finally close out the contest after Benin’s late equaliser had briefly threatened another knockout upset.

Africa Cup of Nations: Quarter-final paths for Egypt and Nigeria

Nigeria now travel to Marrakesh for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against either Algeria or DR Congo. Those sides meet in Rabat on Tuesday. A DR Congo victory would hand Nigeria a chance to respond to the penalty shoot-out loss against the Leopards in a World Cup qualifying play-off in November.

The final Africa Cup of Nations last-16 games take place on Tuesday, with Algeria facing DR Congo before Ivory Coast play Burkina Faso in Marrakesh. Egypt and Nigeria both head into their quarter-finals with momentum, after Salah’s late strike and Nigeria’s four-goal display underlined their status as major contenders again.