Nigeria, Mozambique Clash for AFCON Quarter-Final Spot

       

          Nigeria will put their Africa Cup of Nations title ambition to the test on Monday when they face

 Mozambique in a high-stakes round of 16 showdown at the Fez Stadium, with a quarter-final ticket on

 the line.

The Super Eagles are chasing a fourth AFCON crown and arrive at the knockout stage full of

 confidence after a flawless group-stage campaign. Victory against Mozambique would see Nigeria

 reach the quarter-finals for a record-extending 12th time, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most

 consistent tournament performers.

Mozambique, however, are writing their own fairytale. The Mambas have reached the AFCON

 knockout stage for the first time in their history after six previous attempts, and they head into the

 contest with little pressure and plenty of belief.

Nigeria cruised through Group play with three straight wins against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda,

 scoring eight goals in their highest ever tally in an AFCON group stage, while conceding four. Their

 overall AFCON win count now stands at 61, just one behind record holders Egypt, and they have

 scored

 in each of their last 10 matches at the tournament.

History also favours the Super Eagles. Nigeria are unbeaten in five previous meetings with

 Mozambique across all competitions, recording four wins and one draw. Their only AFCON meeting

 dates back to 2010, when goals from Peter Odemwingie (two) and Obafemi Martins sealed a

 comfortable 3–0 group-stage victory.

Recent form offers another reminder of Nigeria’s edge. The Super Eagles defeated Mozambique 3–2 in

 a friendly in October 2023, with Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon finding the net.

Ademola Lookman has emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout players so far, contributing two goals and

 two assists to earn a place in the group-stage Best XI. Victor Osimhen, with 32 goals in 49 international

 appearances, is expected to lead the attack, supported by captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and

 Raphael

 Onyedika. Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel are also set to return to the starting line-up.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Lookman said individual recognition meant little compared to

 Nigeria’s wider objectives, stressing that the squad remains focused on going deep into the tournament.

Mozambique reached the round of 16 after claiming their first-ever AFCON finals win against Gabon

 and scoring again against Cameroon despite a narrow 2–1 defeat. Coached by Chiquinho Conde and

 captained by Domingues, the Mambas will rely on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo

 Mandava, while Geny Catamo — who has scored in consecutive AFCON matches — leads their

 attacking threat alongside Chamito, Faisal Bangal and João Bonde.

Beyond form and statistics, Monday’s clash could be decided by composure and tactical discipline.

 Nigeria are expected to dominate possession, while Mozambique may look to exploit spaces on the

 counter. In knockout football, fine margins matter — and one moment could shape the Super Eagles’

 AFCON destiny.

Cameroonian referee Abdou Abdel Mefir will officiate the encounter, assisted by Elvis Noupoue and

 Carine Atezambong.