Cameroon legend Joel Epalle has warned Nigeria not to underestimate Mozambique ahead of their Round of 16 meeting at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles face Mozambique on Monday night in Fez as overwhelming favourites after winning all three of their group games. Nigeria scored eight goals from six different players and were one of only two teams, alongside Algeria, to finish the group stage with a perfect record.
Mozambique qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history after beating Gabon, despite losses to Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Nigeria have never lost to the Mambas, recording four wins and one draw in five previous meetings.
However, Epalle believes Mozambique have been the tournament’s surprise package.
Speaking to Cafonline, the former Cameroonian international praised their tactical discipline and confidence.
“I’d say Mozambique,” Epalle said in support of the Mambas as the surprise team of AFCON 2025.
“I didn’t necessarily expect them to perform at this level. Tactically, they were very well organized. To go far in the AFCON, you need athletic qualities, but the Mozambicans are quite skillful—they played with freedom and confidence. Their football relied on sharp transitions, executed perfectly.”
Epalle also highlighted the influence of Mozambique’s home-based players and national coach, describing their unity and clear philosophy as key strengths.
“Also, the fact that their players are mainly made from the local league and their coach is national too contributed. The coach, himself a former international, was able to implement his philosophy, and the players delivered.”
Despite his warning, Epalle still expects Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals alongside Morocco, Egypt and Ivory Coast.
“It will likely be a continuation of what the favorites showed in the group stage,” he said. “There might be a few surprises, but given the matchups, logic will probably prevail with Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria advancing.”
Nigeria reached the final of the last AFCON and will rely on Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and the coaching nous of Eric Chelle as they attempt to go one better this time.
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