The Super Eagles head into today’s AFCON 2025 knockout clash against the Mambas of Mozambique with both form and history on their side, Footynaija.com reports.
In the group stage, Nigeria kept winning, kept scoring, and always found answers when tested. Mozambique, for their part, have already broken new ground at this tournament.
This Round of 16 clash however brings together two teams who have taken very different paths to get here. Here are the five talking points that shape this tie.
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1. Nigeria’s perfect group and scoring power
Nigeria finished top of Group C with three wins from three. They scored eight goals, the highest tally in the group stage.
The Super Eagles sealed the clean sweep with a 3-1 win over Uganda on December 30. That result confirmed them as group winners and extended their scoring run to 10 straight AFCON matches.
2. Mozambique arrive with history already made
Mozambique are in the knockout rounds for the first time ever. That alone changes how they approach this match.
They qualified as one of the best third placed teams from Group F, finishing behind Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Their 3-2 win over Gabon was not only decisive, it was Mozambique’s first AFCON win in history.
They lost narrowly to Cameroon and went down 1-0 to Ivory Coast. The results show a side that can compete in moments, even if control over 90 minutes still comes and goes.
3. Control against resistance
Nigeria dominated games in the group stage through patience on the ball. They averaged about 66 percent possession, moved it side to side, and waited for gaps rather than forcing play.
Mozambique, on the other hand, rely on physical battles, quick breaks, and short bursts of pressure. Their best moments came in flashes, not long spells.
4. Defences that still leave space
Neither side has looked airtight. Nigeria conceded in all three group games. Even in wins, they allowed chances when transitions came fast. Recovery runs and midfield cover have done damage control, but the warning signs are there.
Mozambique also conceded in every group match. Ivory Coast and Cameroon both found openings, and even the win over Gabon exposed gaps when pressure built.
No disrespect to the Super Eagles but with both back lines still settling early in games, goals at both ends remain a real possibility.
5. History points one way
Nigeria have never lost to Mozambique. Across five meetings, the Super Eagles have won four and drawn one.
Their last AFCON meeting was in 2010, a 3-0 Nigeria win. More recently, they met in a friendly in October 2023 in Portugal, with Nigeria winning 3-2.
