Who: Nigeria vs Mozambique
Content: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Location: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
Date and time: Monday 8pm (19:00 GMT)
How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 16:00 GMT, ahead of the text commentary stream.
Nigeria’s ongoing campaign at AFCON 2025 is summed up by fun, flair and fragility.
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Nigeria are one of the best attacking teams in the tournament and have been seen as title contenders from an early stage, but although the West Africans boast an impressive roster, they still need to strengthen their weak defence.
The Super Eagles have quickly recovered from the heartbreak of missing out on the FIFA World Cup and are flying high in Morocco, backed by a talented squad that includes Ademola Lookman, Rafael Onyedika, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.
As one of only two teams with a perfect record in the group stage, the former champions will face Mozambique, who made it past the group stage for the first time, for a place in the quarter-finals.
Mozambique, ranked 102nd in the world, faces the difficult task of playing against a team 74th above them as they aim to reach the historic knockout stages.
Here’s what you need to know about Nigeria vs. Mozambique.
How did Nigeria reach the Round of 16?
The African powerhouse advanced to the final tournament as the top of Group C.recorded victories over Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. Nigeria became the first team to reach the last 16 with a 100 percent record.
How did Mozambique reach the Round of 16?
Mozambique advanced as one of the top four teams in third place. The Mambas lost twice in Group F and won once against Gabon, ending their 40-year wait for victory in the continental tournament. They will be appearing in the knockout stage of AFCON for the first time.
Who will the winner face in the next round?
The winner of Nigeria vs. Mozambique will travel to Marrakech to face the winner of Algeria vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo in the quarter-finals on January 10.
Who is Nigeria’s best player?
With two goals and two assists, forward Lookman was one of Nigeria’s standout players in the tournament. The 28-year-old was a key figure in his team’s wins in the opening two games, making an impact as a playmaker and finisher alike.
After being rested for the final group match, Lookman is expected to give his all against his East African opponents.
Midfielder Onyedika, who scored twice in the previous match, is also a key contributor, Iwobi is pulling the strings in midfield and striker Osimhen remains one of the most feared attackers in the competition.
Who is Mozambique’s best player?
Winger Jenny Katamo was at the heart of Mozambique’s historic qualification, scoring two of Mozambique’s four goals in the tournament. Forward Faisal Bangal and right-back Diogo Kalira also found the back of the net.
Form guide for Nigeria and Mozambique
Nigeria: WWWLL
Mozambique: LWLLD
Nigeria finished the group stage with eight goals, the most in the tournament, and also had the highest average possession percentage (66 percent). Nigeria won all three group games for the first time since 2021. Mozambique’s victory over Gabon was their only win in 18 AFCON matches (D4 L13). Mozambique are yet to keep a clean sheet in AFCON, conceding in all 18 games.
direct confrontation
Nigeria and Mozambique have played each other five times in the past in official matches and friendlies.
Nigeria dominates the competition with four wins and one draw.
When was the last time Nigeria and Mozambique met?
The two teams last met in a friendly in Albufeira, Portugal in October 2023, with Nigeria winning 3-2.
Nigeria vs Mozambique – Statistical attack
Monday’s game will be the second AFCON matchup. Their last AFCON encounter was in the final group match of the 2010 tournament, when Nigeria ran out winners 3-0.
Nigeria last failed to advance beyond the group stage in 1982, but this will be their 16th consecutive appearance in the knockout stages.
Has Nigeria ever won an AFCON title?
Nigeria have won the AFCON three times, lifting the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
He also won runner-up five times. This will be his 21st appearance in the continental championship.
Has Mozambique ever won an AFCON title?
No, this is his sixth appearance in the tournament and he has already achieved his best result in the 2025 tournament.
Nigeria team news
Cyriel Dessers, who has not played yet, and Ryan Alevios, who made his debut in the previous game, were both absent due to injuries. Neither are regular starters, so their absences are unlikely to have a major impact.
Mozambique are without Kalila, who was sent off after just 15 minutes with an injury in their last game. Nene, who scored an own goal against Cameroon, was also injured.
Expected lineup for Mozambique
Ivane Urbal (goalkeeper); Infuren Nani, Mexer, Reinild Mandava, Bruno Langa. Gima, Manuel Cambala. Katamo, Elias Perembe, Witi. bangalore
