Nigeria continue their quest for a fourth African Cup of Nations title when they face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the Fez Stadium.
In this article, SportPremi provides a detailed preview and team news on the January 5th clash.
Match Preview
Nigeria head into the clash as one of the two remaining teams with a 100% record so far at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco, alongside Algeria, having breezed through their group stage campaign.
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The Super Eagles recorded impressive wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda on their way to the knockout round. They scored eight times during the three matches which was the most in the tournament, although they conceded four times after losing concentration in defence.
The three-time champions defeated Cameroon at this stage in the last edition in Ivory Coast, where they reached the final before losing 2-1 to the host nation.
Mozambique, on the other hand, qualified from third position in Group F, finishing behind Ivory Coast and Cameroon. They lost to the former in their opening match and were defeated by the latter in their final group game.
However, they recorded their first win at the African Cup of Nations on match-day two when they sealed a remarkable 3-2 win over Gabon.
A victory over Nigeria would be unforgettable, and the players will be further inspired by the country’s president, who has promised around $7,800 to each squad member if they win.
Head to Head Record
16.10.2023 – Mozambique 2-3 Nigeria (International Friendly Match)
15.01.2014 – Nigeria 4-2 Mozambique (African Nations Championship)
20.01.2010 – Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique (African Cup of Nations tournament)
11.10.2009 – Nigeria 1-0 Mozambique (2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
29.03.2009 – Mozambique 0-0 Nigeria (2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Nigeria have dominated this matchup and have never lost to Mozambique in history. The Super Eagles have won the last four matches between both sides, including a 3-0 win in 2010 when both sides last met at the African Cup of Nations tournament.
Key Stats:
Nigeria
- Have reached the knockout rounds for the 16th consecutive time.
- Have scored in their last 10 matches at the African Cup of Nations tournament.
Mozambique
- Have reached the knockout rounds for the first time in history.
- Have never kept a clean sheet at the African Cup of Nations.
Form:
Nigeria
The Super Eagles have been in fine form of late and breezed through their group stage campaign with a 100% record.
Nigeria scored eight times during the group stage, but must improve on their defence which saw them concede four times from those matches.
Mozambique
Mozambique recorded a single win during the group stage which was enough for them qualify as one of the best-ranked third placed teams for the knockout phase.
They conceded five times from three matches, including two against Gabon, an opponent Nigeria defeated 4-1 during last November’s CAF playoffs for the FIFA World Cup later this year.
Team News:
Nigeria
The Super Eagles will be without Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers due to injuries and head coach Eric Chelle, fresh from being named CAF coach of the round for the group stage, is expected to revert to the usual regulars after resting them in their last group match.
The likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi are expected to return, while two-goal hero in the last outing Raphael Onyedika could start from the bench.
Predicted Lineups: Nwabali (GK), Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Adams, Osimhen.
Mozambique
Mozambique will be without Diogo Calila and Nene with injuries ahead of their crucial Round of 16 clash against Nigeria.
Predicted Lineups: Urrubal (GK), Nanani, Dove, Chamboco, Mexer, Kambala, Bonde, Dominguez, Catamo, Gildo, Ratifo.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique
TV channel: Every match at this edition of AFCON is being shown live in the UK across Channel 4’s network.
Live stream: You can stream the game online via the official Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
SportPremi Prediction
Nigeria 3-1 Mozambique
The Super Eagles will march on to the quarterfinals with a comfortable win over Mozambique with the far superior quality giving them a big advantage in the tie.
