Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Mozambique will lock horns on Monday, 5th of January, with kick-off scheduled for around 8:00pm, as both sides battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
On paper, the fixture appears favorable for the Super Eagles. However, beneath the surface lies a far more competitive and tactically demanding contest, with Mozambique arriving full of belief after rewriting their AFCON history.
While Nigeria enter as favourites based on pedigree and group-stage performance, this Round of 16 clash is far from straightforward.
Mozambique’s discipline, physicality and tactical organisation will test the Super Eagles across the full ninety minutes.
Ultimately, progression is likely to hinge on tactical execution, concentration in key moments and flashes of individual brilliance.
Head-to-Head: Nigeria’s Super Eagles Clear Historical Edge
At senior international level, Nigeria and Mozambique have met five times, with the Super Eagles firmly on top, recording four victories and one draw.
Their most recent AFCON meeting dates back to 2010, when Nigeria cruised to a 3–0 victory.
While those numbers clearly favour the West Africans, tournament football has repeatedly shown that past records offer no guarantees in knockout football.
Super Eagles AFCON Pedigree and Current Form
Nigeria arrive at this fixture with one of the richest AFCON histories on the continent.
The Super Eagles have:
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Won AFCON three times (1980, 1994, 2013)
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Finished runners-up five times (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2023)
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Claimed eight bronze medals, including three consecutive third-place finishes
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Recorded four podium finishes in five tournaments during the 2000s
At AFCON 2025, Nigeria have looked particularly convincing, winning all three group-stage matches while playing confident, fluid and controlled football.
Iwobi and Lookman Driving Nigeria Forward
Alex Iwobi has been one of the tournament’s standout midfielders:
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2 assists in two matches
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122 passes at 89.1% accuracy
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7 long balls
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7 chances created
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8 ball recoveries
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Dribbled past just twice
His influence in dictating tempo and linking defence to attack has been crucial.
Ademola Lookman has delivered decisively in the final third:
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2 goals
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2 assists
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6 shots, 3 on target
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44 passes
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6 chances created
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6 crosses delivered
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100% duel success
Lookman’s direct running, physical presence and aerial strength have consistently troubled opposition defenses.
Mozambique’s Historic AFCON Breakthrough
Mozambique are enjoying the best Africa Cup of Nations campaign in their history.
For the first time ever, the Mambas have reached the knockout stage and also secured their first AFCON victory, ending a 39-year wait.
Although they recorded just one group-stage win, against Gabon, that statistic fails to capture the organization, resilience and tactical maturity displayed throughout the tournament.
Chiquinho Conde’s Tactical Blueprint
Under head coach Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique have evolved into a well-drilled, disciplined and physically imposing unit.
The Mambas place strong emphasis on:
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Compact defensive spacing
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Physical strength
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Midfield control
Conde has shown notable tactical flexibility, alternating between a 4-1-4-1 and a 4-2-3-1 system depending on the opposition.
Mozambique are comfortable absorbing pressure deep in their own half before attacking decisively when opportunities arise.
Geny Catamo: Mozambique’s Creative Engine
Sporting CP winger, Geny Catamo has been Mozambique’s standout performer at AFCON 2025.
His tournament numbers underline his influence:
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2 goals
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9 shots, 6 on target
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80% shooting accuracy
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50 passes at 79.4% accuracy
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3 chances created
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2 successful crosses
Beyond his attacking output, Catamo has been vital in controlling tempo:
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131 touches
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12 fouls won
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19 duels won
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12 ball recoveries
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4 successful ball wins in the final third
His all-round contribution makes him Mozambique’s primary attacking threat and a key player Nigeria must neutralise.
Mandava’s Balance and Control
Left-back Reinildo Mandava has also been central to Mozambique’s structure and stability.
His tournament statistics include:
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97% pass completion
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8 long balls attempted
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1 clear chance created
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118 touches
Defensively, Mandava has contributed:
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2 tackles
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5 duels contested
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4 interceptions
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9 recoveries
His balance between defensive solidity and build-up play provides Mozambique with composure on the left flank.
