Nigeria’s march towards a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title continues on Monday night when the Super Eagles face Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Soccernet.ng reports.
Group C winners with a flawless record, Nigeria enter the knockout phase as one of the tournament’s front-line favourites.
Mozambique, by contrast, arrive as underdogs, squeezing through as one of the best third-placed teams but carrying belief, momentum and little to lose.
A place in the quarter-finals awaits the winner, where either DR Congo or Algeria will stand between them and the semi-finals. On paper, the gap between the sides is wide. In tournament football, however, paper guarantees nothing.
Match preview
Nigeria’s group-stage campaign was a statement of intent. Eric Chelle’s side won all three matches, scored eight goals and conceded four, becoming one of only two teams – alongside Algeria – to finish the opening phase with a perfect nine points.
Victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2) and Uganda (3-1) showed not just attacking firepower, but depth. Chelle rotated heavily against Uganda and Nigeria still emerged comfortable winners.
That depth may prove decisive as the tournament tightens. Nigeria were runners-up at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, edged out by the hosts in a tense final. With World Cup qualification disappointment still fresh, this tournament has taken on added significance; a chance for redemption and reaffirmation.
Mozambique’s route to the knockout stage has been less commanding but no less compelling. Finishing third in Group F, the Mambas booked their place courtesy of a dramatic 3-2 win over Gabon, their first AFCON victory, and pushed Cameroon hard in a narrow defeat that hinted at growing belief.
For head coach Chiquinho Conde, this is already Mozambique’s best AFCON outing. Only appearing at the finals for the fifth time, the Mambas have never before reached the quarter-finals. History, therefore, beckons.
There is also motivation beyond football. Reports of promised financial incentives from Mozambique’s president have only heightened the sense of occasion. Nigeria, meanwhile, must guard against complacency, especially given their failure to keep a clean sheet in the group stage.
Tactically, the match presents a familiar story. Mozambique are expected to sit deep, compress space and attack selectively through transitions. Nigeria will dominate possession, push full-backs high and look to overload the wide channels, where the pace and movement of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen can stretch even the most disciplined defence.
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Head-to-head record
History firmly favours Nigeria.
The Super Eagles have won four of their five previous meetings with Mozambique, with the only other result a goalless draw in March 2009. That dominance mirrors the broader AFCON pedigree of both nations: Nigeria are making their 21st appearance at the finals, while Mozambique are newcomers by comparison.
Yet knockout football has a habit of humbling favourites. Nigeria’s defensive vulnerability, conceding in all three group games, offers Mozambique a sliver of encouragement, even if past data points overwhelmingly towards a Nigerian victory.
Team news
Nigeria will be without Cyriel Dessers, who has been ruled out of the tournament and has returned to Panathinaikos to continue his rehabilitation.
Ryan Alebiosu, the Blackburn Rovers full-back who made his debut against Uganda, is also unavailable due to a leg laceration, though he is recovering well.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi missed training on Friday with a cold but is expected to be fit enough for the bench.
Eric Chelle has spoken openly about the difficulty of selecting his starting XI, a problem most managers would envy. Several regulars rested against Uganda, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, are expected to return.
Victor Osimhen, despite scoring against Tunisia, is still searching for top gear but will almost certainly lead the line alongside Akor Adams, with Lookman providing thrust from wide areas. A familiar back four of Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel is likely to be restored.
Mozambique will be without Diogo Calila and Nene, both sidelined by injury, limiting Conde’s options, particularly in midfield.
Nigeria possible XI (4-4-2):
Nwabali; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Mozambique possible XI (4-2-3-1):
Urrubal; Nanani, Edmilson, Chamboco, Mexer; Kambala, Bonde; Domingues, Catamo, Vilanculos; Ratifo.
Nigeria vs Mozambique: What are they saying?
Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde said:
“Nigeria are favourites, but this is football. We must play with humility, tranquillity and responsibility. We are here with respect — now we will show what we can do.”
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen added:
“We respect every team that reaches this stage. The round of 16 will be tougher than the group phase, but Nigeria will show our fighting spirit.”
Match details
- Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Round of 16
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
- Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès
- Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00pm (Nigeria time)
Prediction
Mozambique are likely to defend deep and frustrate early, but Nigeria’s attacking variety and superior quality should tell. With Osimhen, Adams and Lookman offering movement, pace and physicality, the Super Eagles are well equipped to break resistance.
A controlled, professional performance should be enough to book Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals.
- Score tip: Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
