AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Eye 18th Quarter-Final Appearance Against Mozambique

Nigeria are confident of reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the 18th time when they face Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

The Super Eagles remain the most decorated side in the 69-year history of Africa’s flagship football competition, boasting three titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight bronze medals.

Nigeria have failed to reach the quarter-finals on only three occasions — at their tournament debut in Ghana 1963, during the 1982 edition in Libya, and most recently in Cameroon four years ago. The only time they exited at the quarter-final stage was Ghana 2008. Historically, whenever Nigeria progress beyond the first knockout round, they go on to win a medal.

Monday’s encounter against a history-making Mozambique side — appearing in the knockout stage for the first time — promises a compelling contest, with both coaches, Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde, keeping their tactical plans closely guarded.

Nigeria swept through the group phase with three wins from three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four, a dominant run that earned Chelle the award of Coach of the Group Phase. However, the Super Eagles will be wary of complacency, having been eliminated at the same stage by third-placed Tunisia in Garoua four years ago.

Mozambique, who stunned Gabon in Group F while losing narrowly to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and five-time winners Cameroon, have shown they are capable of upsetting more fancied opponents. Conde is expected to rely on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa, and Reinildo Mandava, while captain Domingues and João Bonde anchor the midfield, supplying attackers Chamito and Faisal Bangal.

For Nigeria, Chelle is determined to strike the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair, mindful of the high expectations back home.

“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.

Immediate past African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice and provided two assists at the tournament, also reflected on his inclusion in the Group Phase Best XI.

“We had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to everyone who voted,” Lookman said.

“But the selection is not just for me; it reflects the efforts of my teammates. We have targets to accomplish here in Morocco, and we are nowhere near those targets yet.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Cameroonian referee Abdou Abdel Mefir to officiate the encounter, assisted by compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong.

With history, pedigree, and ambition on their side, the Super Eagles will look to avoid any upset and keep their quest for a fourth AFCON title firmly on track.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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