Mozambique defender Edmilson Dove has backed Nigeria for glory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The Mambas were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage by the Super Eagles when both sides clashed at the Fez Stadium on Monday night, ending their fairytale run in Morocco.
The Mozambicans had finished third in Group F and qualified as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams to reach the knockout rounds.
Nigeria dominated the encounter on their way to a comfortable 4-0 win, advancing to the last eight of the competition while Mozambique crashed out of the tournament.
It took only two minutes for the Super Eagles to find the back of the net, but Victor Osimhen’s strike was ruled out correctly for offside.
However, Ademola Lookman fired them ahead in the 20th minute after a wonderful pass from Alex Iwobi had found Akor Adams who then crossed into the box.
Iwobi, Lookman and Adams were involved in the second goal as Osimhen scored five minutes later, before the talisman grabbed his second of the game two minutes into the second half.
Adams completed the win later in the clash as Nigeria advance to the last eight where they will now meet either Algeria or DR Congo.
What Edmilson said after Mozambique’s AFCON exit
Edmilson Dove, who missed Monday night’s defeat to Nigeria with injury has tipped the Super Eagles to go all the way in Morocco after their stunning performance.
“They are a very good side, and I hope they continue in the tournament. I have some friends there, especially Stanley Nwabali — we played against each other in South Africa. I’ll be rooting for him”, the defender stated.
The 31-year-old also praised his side’s journey at the tournament, after they secured their first ever win over Gabon in the group stage and also reached the knockout rounds for the first time.
”We reached a stage where not a lot of people expected us to be. We got here through camaraderie, unity and determination. Everyone who stepped onto the pitch did their very best”, he continued.
“No, I think everyone is important. The guys did everything they could.
It was one of those days where not everything we planned went according to plan. But it’s a lesson, and we can only look forward and try to get better from these experiences.”
