Nigeria may arrive in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a perfect record, but a former African champion has warned that pedigree alone will not be enough against Mozambique, Soccernet.ng reports.
Cameroon legend Joel Epalle has urged the Super Eagles to treat Monday night’s last-16 meeting with the Mambas with caution.
Epalle insists that Mozambique have been one of the most impressive teams at the tournament despite entering the tie as heavy underdogs.
Nigeria and Mozambique will meet in Fez in the first knockout round of AFCON 2025, with the Super Eagles widely tipped to progress after winning all three of their group matches.
Nigeria scored eight goals through six different players in the group stage, underlining their attacking depth and balance. Only Algeria matched that flawless group-stage record.
Mozambique, by contrast, qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history after recording a landmark 3-2 victory over Gabon. They lost their other two group matches to Cameroon and Ivory Coast, but that historic win was enough to carry them into the last 16.
History also favours Nigeria. The Super Eagles have never lost to Mozambique, recording four wins and one draw in five previous meetings. Yet Epalle believes that statistics do not tell the full story.
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‘Mozambique, tactically very well organised'- Epalle warns Nigeria
Speaking to Cafonline, Epalle described Mozambique as the most impressive team he has watched at AFCON 2025, praising their structure, confidence and tactical clarity.
“I’d say Mozambique,” Epalle said when asked which team has been the most interesting to watch at 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.
“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.”
Epalle’s assessment highlights the danger of underestimating a Mozambique side driven by belief and organisation rather than star names. Their compact shape, quick counter-attacks and clear tactical identity have already defied expectations at the tournament.
Epalle still backs Nigeria for quarter-final place
Despite his warning, Epalle still considers Nigeria among the favourites to reach the quarter-finals.
The former Cameroonian international, who won AFCON in 2002 and Olympic gold in 2000, tipped Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and Ivory Coast to advance from the round of 16.
“It will likely be a continuation of what the favorites showed in the group stage. 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 Africa Cup of Nations and are aiming to go one step further this time. With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the attack, and Eric Chelle providing tactical direction from the touchline, the Super Eagles know that discipline and focus will be essential against a Mozambique side chasing the biggest win in their football history.
