Nigeria head into their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash with Mozambique backed by strong form, superior squad depth, and a perfect group stage run that marks them as clear favourites, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles look every bit a team built to contend for the title, while the Mambas come in as lively underdogs, already punching above their weight by reaching this stage.
The three-time African champions wrapped up the group stage with a perfect nine points from three games, scoring eight times and conceding four in the process.
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The wins over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda showed a side comfortable in different scenarios, breaking down deep blocks when needed and seeing games out. That consistency speaks to the depth, balance, and quality Eric Chelle has at his disposal across the pitch.
Super Eagles Squad Depth
For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen remains the focal point up front, bringing movement, power, and goals.
Ademola Lookman has already stamped his mark on the tournament bagging 2 goals and 2 assists so far, while Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu offer different attacking options, whether from the start or off the bench. Not many sides at this AFCON can rotate their forwards and still keep this same level of threat.
Midfield quality further separates Nigeria from Mozambique. The new Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, anchors play with experience and discipline, while Alex Iwobi and the likes of Raphael Onyedika are ready to provide energy, control, and forward passing when called upon.
As seen so far in this tournament, Nigeria have been able to push teams back and control where the game is played. At the back, the pairing of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey brings real physical presence, with aggressive full backs supporting them and forcing opponents wide.
Mozambique Strength
Mozambique come into the knockouts with a very different story. They managed one win from three group games, but it was a big one. The 3-2 victory over Gabon was historic, their first ever win at the AFCON finals.
Narrow defeats to Ivory Coast (1-0) and Cameroon (2-1) showed the gap when facing stronger sides, even though their effort and organisation never dipped. Reaching this stage as one of the best third placed teams already counts as real progress for the Mambas.
History is on Nigeria’s side. The Super Eagles have met Mozambique five times at senior level, winning four and drawing once. The Mambas have never beaten Nigeria. Their only AFCON clash was in 2010 in Angola, with Nigeria cruising to a 3-0 win as Obafemi Martins and Osaze Odemwingie starred.
The likes of Geny Catamo and Reinildo Mandava bring pace and experience for Mozambique, and the team’s unity has been a real asset. But over 90 minutes, Nigeria’s depth, energy, and knack for punishing mistakes give them the advantage.
Riding strong form from the group stage, backed by deeper squad options and a dominant record against Mozambique, Nigeria go into this last 16 tie as clear favourites. For the Mambas to pull off an upset, they will need a near flawless display and hope Nigeria slip below their usual level. If not, everything so far points to the Super Eagles keeping control.
