Nigeria will bid to extend their winning run to four consecutive victories when they face Mozambique in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 on Monday.
The Super Eagles are keen to maintain their perfect record after winning all three of their group stage games.
Mozambique are hoping to pull off a win that would send shockwaves across Africa after sneaking into the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Match Preview
Nigeria are determined to redeem themselves on the continental front after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Rather than dwell on what went wrong, Eric Chelle’s side have responded in the best possible way, making a strong statement during the group stage.
Nigeria picked up three wins from as many games, scoring eight goals and conceding four.
The Super Eagles have proven that they can hurt opponents in many ways. Their attacking confidence has been impossible to ignore, making them arguably the most exciting team to watch.
Despite ringing the changes in their final group game, Chelle’s side maintained their quality by picking up a comprehensive 3-1 win against Uganda.
The ability to tweak the set-up without sacrificing quality could be the key to Nigeria’s resurgence as they eye their first AFCON title in 13 years.
Nigeria’s record against Monday’s opponents further stacks the odds in their favour. They’ve won four of their last five meetings with Mozambique, while the only other fixture in 2009 ended goalless.
But Nigeria’s tendency to capitulate could be their undoing. They’re yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, which will give Mozambique the belief that they can hurt them.
The Mambas are preparing to make their first appearance in the knockout stage of AFCON, following a topsy-turvy group stage campaign.
A narrow 3-2 win against Gabon came in between defeats against Cameroon and reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire, but it was enough to snatch a spot in the last 16.
Mozambique have already made history in this tournament, but they’ll be hoping to earn another major scalp as they eye only their second win in AFCON history and a place in the last eight.
Nigeria AFCON form
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Mozambique AFCON form
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Team News
Chelle recently opened up about the dilemma he faces when choosing a starting XI, given the quality of players available at his disposal.
However, the 48-year-old should recall his trusted lieutenants to the line-up after making a host of changes in the 3-1 win against Uganda, although Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu are out injured.
There are also a couple of injury updates from Mozambique, with Diogo Calila and Nene set to sit out the mammoth clash against the three-time AFCON winners.
Nigeria potential starting line-up:
(4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.
Mozambique potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Ivane Urrubal; Nanani Infren, Edmilson Gabriel Dove, Fernando Chamboco, Edson Mexer; Manuel Kambala, Joao Bonde; Domingues Pelembe, Geny Catamo, Gildo; Stanley Ratifo.
Match Prediction
Nigeria have established themselves as the team to beat in AFCON and will head into Monday’s clash as overwhelming favourites.
Mozambique’s record of four draws and 13 defeats in the competition’s history hardly inspires any confidence that they can pull off the mother of all heists.
The Mambas may have narrowly escaped an early exit, but the chances of them piping Nigeria to a place in the last eight are next to none.
Nigeria 3-1 Mozambique.
