Nigeria will continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they take on Mozambique in the Round of 16 on Monday at the Fez Stadium, Morocco.
A win would see the Super Eagles reach the quarter-finals for the 12th time, extending their record as the most frequent last-eight qualifiers in AFCON history, ahead of Egypt. For Mozambique, the encounter marks a historic milestone, as the Mambas are appearing in the knockout stage for the first time after failing to progress in their previous five attempts.
Nigeria hold a dominant head-to-head record against Mozambique, remaining unbeaten in five meetings, with four wins and one draw. Their only AFCON clash came at the 2010 tournament, where Nigeria cruised to a 3–0 group-stage victory courtesy of a brace from Peter Odemwingie and a strike by Obafemi Martins. The Super Eagles also won the most recent encounter, a 3–2 friendly in October 2023, with goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon.
The Super Eagles head into the knockout phase in fine form after a perfect group-stage run, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. Nigeria scored eight goals — their highest-ever tally in an AFCON group stage — while conceding four. Their total AFCON wins now stand at 61, just one behind record holders Egypt, and they have scored in 10 consecutive tournament matches.
Ademola Lookman has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, scoring twice and providing two assists, earning him a place in the Group Stage Best XI. Victor Osimhen, who has 32 goals in 49 appearances for the national team, is expected to lead the attack, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika providing support in midfield. Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel are also expected to return to the starting line-up.
Reflecting on the team’s group-stage performance, Lookman said the players remain focused on their ultimate goal. “We had a great run in the group stage, and I’m thankful for the recognition, but this is a collective effort. We have bigger targets in this competition, and we are not there yet,” he said.
Mozambique qualified for the Round of 16 after recording their first-ever AFCON finals win against Gabon and putting up a spirited display against Cameroon despite a 2–1 defeat. Coached by Chiquinho Conde and captained by Domingues, the Mambas will depend on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo Mandava, while Chamito, Faisal Bangal and João Bonde will lead their attacking charge. Geny Catamo has already made history by scoring in consecutive AFCON matches, becoming the first Mozambican to do so.
The match will be officiated by Cameroonian referee Abdou Abdel Mefir, with Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong as assistant referees.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has cautioned his players against complacency, stressing the need for continued focus. “We will not get carried away. We must keep working hard and stay focused on each match as it comes,” he said.
