Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Rabat – Nigeria head into the knockout stage after winning all three group games against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are strong favorites. Their opponent, Mozambique, finished third in Group F with three points and qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their only win was a 3-2 victory over Gabon, their first AFCON win in 40 years. This is Mozambique’s first time in the knockout rounds. The winner of this match will play Algeria or DR Congo in the quarterfinals on January 10.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
- Competition: AFCON 2025 – Round of 16
- Venue: Stade de Fez, Fez (Morocco)
- Date: Monday, January 5
- Kick-off: 8 p.m. local time (GMT+1)
How to Watch: Live on beIN Sports and on African networks like SuperSport
Nigeria Team News
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has built a balanced squad of youth and experience. Ademola Lookman has been a key player with two goals and two assists, while Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the last group game and Alex Iwobi has controlled the midfield.
Captain Victor Osimhen leads the attack, and Nigeria scored 8 goals in three matches, their best group-stage record. They topped Group C with nine points and extended their long unbeaten run in the knockout rounds.
Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu are out injured, but neither was a regular starter, so the team remains strong.
Mozambique Team News
Mozambique, led by coach Gernot Rohr, enter the knockouts as underdogs after a historic group stage. The team, nicknamed the Cheetahs or Mambas, finished third in Group F with three points and reached the last 16 for the first time.
Their only win was a 3-2 victory over Gabon, ending a 40-year wait for an AFCON win. Winger Geny Catamo has been key with two goals, while striker Faisal Bangal also scored.
Injuries rule out right-back Diogo Calila and midfielder Nene, but Rohr’s side will stay compact, fight hard, and look to strike on counters and set pieces, with Catamo’s pace a major weapon.
What to Expect
Nigeria are expected to control the game with possession and attacking play. Lookman and Chukwueze will support Osimhen up front, while Iwobi and Onyedika provide passes from midfield.
The Super Eagles scored early in all their group matches and will look to do the same again, but they must stay focused in defense after conceding in every game.
Mozambique are likely to sit back, crowd the midfield, and wait for mistakes. Their main threat is Geny Catamo’s pace on the wings, and set pieces could give them chances.
Nigeria’s stronger squad will be a tough challenge, though coach Chelle has warned that Mozambique have nothing to lose and will fight hard. Late counters or crosses could still test Nigeria.
Safe Bets & Predictions
- Both Teams to Score – Likely: Nigeria conceded in all group games, and Mozambique have scored in two of three. Both sides find the net often.
- Total Goals Over 2.5 – Likely: The group stage saw about 2–3 goals per game on average. A few goals are expected in this tie.
- Victor Osimhen to Score – Likely: Osimhen is Nigeria’s talisman and one of the tournament’s most feared strikers
- Nigeria to Win – Very Likely.
Predicted Score: Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
