Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Mozambique’s Mambas tonight in a Round of 16 clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Eagles enter the knockout phase on the back of a convincing group-stage campaign.
They won all three of their matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, scoring eight goals in the process to finish top of their group with maximum points.
Mozambique, on their part, are making history at this year’s tournament, having reached the AFCON knockout rounds for the first time.
Their qualification came after a breakthrough group-stage victory over Gabon, the first AFCON finals win in the country’s history.
Though labelled underdogs, the Mambas have shown grit and belief, scoring in back-to-back matches and growing into the competition as it has progressed.
Nigeria have a strong record against Mozambique and remain unbeaten in five previous meetings, including a 3–0 AFCON group-stage win in 2010 and a 3–2 friendly victory in 2023.
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Mozambique will be without defender Nené and midfielder Edmilson, who are sidelined with muscle and knee injuries, respectively.
Though Nigeria also have their Injury concerns, several regular starters like Ademola Lookman, Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to return after being rested for the game against Uganda
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for live updates as the Super Eagles seek to progress to the next phase
Kick-off is 8:00 p.m.
Nigeria and Mozambique have named their starting line-ups for their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash in Fès, with both sides showing clear intent from kick-off.
For Nigeria, head coach Eric Chelle has selected a strong attacking XI led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka providing support in midfield. Wilfred Ndidi captains the side from the centre, while Stanley Nwabali starts in goal. Akor Adams also gets a starting role up front.
Mozambique line up with Geny and Faizal as their main attacking threats, supported by Reinildo and Bruno Langa at the back. Siluane starts in goal as the Mambas look to cause an upset.
{Credit: Super Eagles Media]
Starting XI
1. 23 Stanley Nwabali
2. 2 Bright Osayi-Samuel
3. 4 Wilfred Ndidi (C)
4. 6 Semi Ajayi
5. 7 Ademola Lookman
6. 8 Frank Onyeka
7. 9 Victor Osimhen
8. 13 Bruno Onyemaechi
9. 17 Alex Iwobi
10. 21 Calvin Bassey
11. 22 Akor Adams
Substitutes
Francis Uzoho, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Igoh Ogbu, Moses Simon, Amas Obasogie, Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Chidozie Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze, Salim Fago
Mozambique
Starting XI
1. 1 Siluane
2. 5 Bruno Langa
3. 7 Pelembe
4. 9 Faizal
5. 10 Geny
6. 15 Reinildo
7. 16 Amade
8. 17 Sitoe
9. 19 Quembo
10. 21 Guimaraes
11. 23 Cabral
Substitutes
Matola, Jone, Chambuco, Kambala, Gabriel, Bonde, Zavala, Ratifo, Cherene, Vilanculos, Amido, Francisco, Melito, Loborino
Both teams are on the pitch and we start with the national anthem of Nigeria before Mozambique take their turn
Calvin Bassey with usual prayers as we are now set for kickoff
It’s raining in Fez, hopefully the Super Eagles will also rain goals on this Round of 16 clash
