AFCON 2025 Highlights: Nigeria and Egypt Excel in Quarterfinals

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is reaching its final stages.

Out of twenty-four teams that participated during the holiday season, only four are left: Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco.

Here are some key highlights from the exciting quarterfinal matches:

Egypt shows its dominance in Africa

Egypt stands as the most successful team in AFCON history, with seven championships, the latest in 2010. This impressive achievement is something many hope does not change. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé is one of those hopefuls.

Faé has a personal connection with Egypt, having experienced a painful defeat as part of the Ivory Coast team in the 2006 final, where they lost to Egypt in a penalty shootout. The memory of that loss remains significant for Ivory Coast.

When Ivory Coast faced Egypt in the quarterfinals of AFCON 2025, it seemed like a chance for redemption. However, Egypt had other ideas, winning the match 3-2, bolstered by another goal from Mohamed Salah.

While many may not want to see Egypt win yet another title, performances like this against strong teams indicate that it’s only a matter of time before they claim their eighth title. Egypt defeated Cote D’Ivoire 3-2

Nigeria overcomes past tensions

Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced controversy following their Round of 16 exit, where striker Victor Osimhen showed frustration with his teammates. Speculation about disharmony in the team was rampant after the match. Was Osimhen genuinely upset with players like Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman, or was it simply a misunderstanding?

In the quarterfinal against Algeria, the team’s unity was evident. Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams played exceptionally well together, leading Nigeria to a 2-0 victory and showcasing their best performance of the tournament.