The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has entered the knockout phase, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles set to take on Mozambique in a Round of 16 encounter on Monday as they push toward a fourth continental crown.
Nigeria progressed to the last 16 in commanding fashion, winning all three of their group-stage matches—an achievement matched only by Algeria at the tournament in Morocco.
The impressive showing represents a strong rebound for the Super Eagles following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Led by head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria swept past Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C to book a meeting with Mozambique’s Mambas.
Mozambique’s route to the knockout stage was far more challenging. The Southern African side advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams after suffering two defeats in Group F and claiming a lone victory over Gabon.
Monday’s fixture marks Mozambique’s first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations, while Nigeria are well accustomed to this stage of the competition.
Defensive frailties could also be a concern for the Mambas, who have never kept a clean sheet in all 18 AFCON matches they have played. That record will be tested against a Nigerian team that finished the group phase as the tournament’s highest scorers.
Chelle, who was named the best coach of the group stage, is expected to once again depend on his attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
With no significant injury worries, key players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Frank Onyeka and Akor Adams are all expected to be available. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika is also pushing for a starting role after netting twice in Nigeria’s group-stage win over Uganda.
Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde lacks the squad depth of his Nigerian counterpart but will look to Geny Catamo, who has scored two of his team’s four goals at the tournament, to inspire an upset. Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu will miss the match through injury.
This will be the second AFCON meeting between the two nations. Their first came in 2010, when Nigeria secured a 3–0 victory in Angola, with goals from Peter Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins.
Historically, Nigeria have dominated the fixture, winning four of the five previous meetings, with one draw. The Super Eagles also edged Mozambique 3–2 in a friendly played in Portugal in 2023.
Ranked 30th in the world compared to Mozambique’s 102nd, Nigeria head into the clash as clear favourites. Nevertheless, the underdogs will be hoping to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Match details:
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
- Stage: Round of 16
- Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- Kick-off: Monday, 8:00 pm (WAT)
- Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
