Nigeria will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for a record 18th time when they face Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Super Eagles remain Africa’s most decorated team in AFCON history, boasting three titles, five silver medals, and eight bronze finishes in the tournament’s 69-year history.
Nigeria have failed to reach the quarter-finals on only three occasions — at their debut in Ghana 1963, at the 1982 edition in Libya, and at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon. The only time the Eagles exited at the quarter-final stage was Ghana 2008. On every other occasion they progressed beyond the first knockout round, they went on to claim a medal.
Monday’s encounter promises a thrilling contest against the Mambas of Mozambique, who are making history by reaching the AFCON knockout stage for the first time. Both coaches, Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Chiquinho Conde of Mozambique, have kept their tactical plans closely guarded.
Nigeria were imperious in the group phase, recording three wins from three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four, a performance that earned Chelle the accolade of Coach of the Group Phase.
However, the Super Eagles are expected to approach the tie with caution. A similar scenario unfolded four years ago in Garoua, when a third-placed Tunisia eliminated Nigeria at the same stage of the competition.
Mozambique finished third in Group F, famously defeating Gabon, while also testing themselves against holders Côte d’Ivoire and five-time champions Cameroon. The Mambas have shown they possess the discipline and resilience to upset more fancied opponents.
Conde is expected to rely on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa, and Reinildo Mandava, with captain Domingues and João Bonde controlling midfield and supplying attackers Chamito and Faisal Bangal.
Chelle, however, remains focused on delivering a balanced performance, underpinned by defensive solidity and attacking flair.
“Nigerians want their team to win every game,” Chelle admitted. “We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”
Forward Victor Osimhen, who has scored 32 goals in 49 appearances for Nigeria, is expected to lead the attack once again. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman are all set to return after being rested against Uganda.
Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, who has recorded two goals and two assists at the tournament and was named in the Group Phase Best XI, stressed that the team’s ambitions extend far beyond individual recognition.
“The selection is not just for me, but for my teammates,” Lookman said. “Their efforts contributed to my selection. However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets here in Morocco, and we are nowhere near those targets yet.”
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Cameroonian referee Abdou Abdel Mefir to officiate the match, assisted by compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong.
