The Super Eagles will look to take another huge step towards Africa Cup of Nations glory when they face Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 clash in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s men enter the knockout stage off the back of a perfect group stage campaign while Mozambique are already enjoying a historic outing at this year’s tournament after reaching the AFCON last 16 for the first time.
On paper, this is a mismatch, but tournament football has a habit of punishing complacency.
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Recent form
Nigeria cruised through the group stage with a 100 per cent record, reinforcing their status as one of the standout teams of AFCON 2025.
Chelle’s side were the most prolific attacking unit in the groups, scoring eight goals in three matches, although defensive lapses meant no clean sheet was recorded.
Mozambique’s route to the knockouts was far more complicated. The Mambas opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast before reigniting their hopes with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gabon.
A 2-1 loss to Cameroon in their final group game left them sweating, but qualification as one of the best third-placed teams ensured a continuation of their fairytale run.
History and Head-to-head
History offers little encouragement for Mozambique as Nigeria boast a dominant record in this fixture, winning four of their five previous meetings, with the other ending in a draw. The Super Eagles have never lost to the Mambas.
Their most recent encounter came in an October 2023 friendly, which Nigeria edged 3-2, while previous competitive meetings include a convincing 3-0 Nigerian win at the 2010 AFCON and a goalless draw in a 2009 World Cup qualifier.
Team news
Chelle’s heavy rotation in the final group game against Uganda ensured most of Nigeria’s key players are well rested for the knockout phase.
Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman were all protected after flirting with suspension, while Victor Osimhen captained the side and avoided a booking despite playing almost the entire match.
Nigeria will, however, be without Cyriel Dessers, who has been ruled out for the rest of the competition after scans revealed a thigh injury. Ryan Alebiosu’s availability also remains uncertain after the debutant required hospital treatment for a deep cut to his foot.
Mozambique’s main attacking threat is Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, whose stunning strike against Cameroon announced his quality to the entire continent.
The Mambas made sweeping changes in their final group match, but we expect coach Chiquinho Conde to reintroduce some of his most trusted personnels into the starting XI for Monday’s clash with the Super Eagles.
Tactical preview
Nigeria are likely to dominate possession and territory, using their pace and movement in wide areas to stretch Mozambique’s defensive line. The combination of Lookman and Osimhen has been devastating in transition, while midfield runners provide constant support.
Mozambique, by contrast, are expected to sit compact and look to exploit spaces on the counter, particularly through Catamo’s direct running. Their challenge will be coping with Nigeria’s sustained pressure while remaining brave enough to carry a threat going forward.
What to expect
The Super Eagles will enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, but Chelle will demand a more complete performance than those seen in parts of the group stage.
Nigeria’s attacking firepower should ultimately make a telling difference, though their recent struggles to keep clean sheets suggest Mozambique may find moments of encouragement.
For the Mambas, simply reaching this stage represents a landmark achievement. With nothing to lose, they will aim to make life uncomfortable for the Super Eagles and prolong the contest for as long as possible.
At the end of the day, Nigeria’s superior quality, depth and experience should prove decisive. But Mozambique have already shown they are capable of contributing to an entertaining knockout affair so there’s plenty to look forward to ahead of Monday night in Fes.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fes
Date: Monday, January 5
Kick-off: 8:00 PM WAT
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Round of 16
