The Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver spectacular football moments, with Monday's matches showcasing the beautiful game at its finest. Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah capped off a thrilling extra-time performance with a stunning goal, while Nigeria's Super Eagles soared with an impressive team victory that has fans buzzing with excitement.

In a match that had everything football enthusiasts could hope for, Egypt demonstrated remarkable resilience and fighting spirit against a determined Benin side. After Marwan Attia broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, the Pharaohs showed their championship mettle. Though Benin's Jodel Dossou managed to level the score late in regulation, Egypt refused to be denied their moment.

The match truly came alive in extra time, with Yasser Ibrahim's beautiful looping header giving Egypt breathing room. Then, in a moment that will be replayed for years to come, Salah sealed the 3-1 victory with a magnificent strike from outside the box as the final whistle loomed. It marked his third goal of the tournament, cementing his status as one of the competition's standout performers.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan praised his team's determination, acknowledging that Benin had proven to be formidable opponents. The victory was especially meaningful as the team rallied after losing left back Mohamed Hamdy to injury, with Hassan noting that "his teammates played for him."

Meanwhile, in Fez, Nigeria put on a masterclass that had their fans celebrating long into the night. The Super Eagles arrived at the stadium in high spirits, singing and dancing, and they carried that joyful energy onto the pitch. Despite heavy rainfall, nothing could dampen their enthusiasm or their clinical performance.

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen formed a devastating partnership that Mozambique simply couldn't contain. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and from there, Nigeria never looked back. Osimhen found the net twice, while Akor Adams also got on the scoresheet, demonstrating the squad's impressive depth and versatility.

The chemistry between Nigeria's attacking players was a joy to watch, with beautiful passing sequences and unselfish play creating opportunities throughout the match. Coach Eric Chelle's tactical approach paid dividends, and the 4-0 victory showcased why Nigeria remains one of Africa's football powerhouses.

Both Benin coach Gernot Rohr and the Mozambique squad can hold their heads high despite the defeats. Rohr spoke glowingly of his team's "attitude, solidarity and fighting spirit," noting these qualities bode well for the Cheetahs' future. Such sportsmanship and positive outlook exemplify what makes the Africa Cup of Nations such a special tournament.

Looking ahead, Egypt will face either Burkina Faso or defending champion Ivory Coast in Saturday's quarterfinal, while Nigeria awaits the winner between Algeria and Congo. With the tournament heating up and the quality of football reaching new heights, fans across the continent and around the world have much to look forward to.

The knockout stages are proving that African football is thriving, with teams displaying tactical sophistication, individual brilliance, and the kind of passionate, entertaining play that makes this sport beloved worldwide.