The cutthroat phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is upon us. Nigeria and Mozambique have a daunting test before them, a path where every mistake proves costly and every moment could be defining.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are aiming to claim their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco after finishing as runner-up at the previous edition (2023 AFCON) held in 2024.

Nigeria in the Group Stage of AFCON 2025

Eric Chelle’s side have had an invincible outing at the group phase, claiming three victories from three games; a 2-0 win over Tanzania, a 3-2 victory over Tunisia and a 3-1 trouncing of Uganda.

Several players have stood out for the country, with the preceding CAF Men's Player of the Year winner, Ademola Lookman, being amongst the stars that have propelled Nigeria thus far.

Victor Osimhen, who has scored 32 goals for Nigeria and is five goals behind the Super Eagles’ all-time top scorer, Rashidi Yekini, has also aided the country’s charge for another AFCON crown.

Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, captain Wilfred Ndidi and a host of others have also been instrumental.

Optimistic For Glory

However, the assignment doesn't stop here; it rather takes a different layering from the knockout stage onward, every victory- a step closer to the ultimate prize.

Nigeria last achieved glory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations held in South Africa, beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final after negotiating their way out of Group C and the subsequent knockout rounds.

They can also cast their minds back to 1994, when they claimed glory on North African soil (Tunisia). Morocco, a North African nation, could be a good ground for their fourth AFCON triumph.

Meanwhile, the Mambas of Mozambique are not fazed by the underdog tag, but consider it to be their motivating force for success.

Chiquinho Conde’s side gave a good account of themselves in the group stage, despite losing two out of their three matches.

Record-breaking AFCON Tournament

Mozambique’s defeats against Côte d’Ivoire (1-0) and Cameroon (2-1) were sandwiched between their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations since they began participating in 1986 - the victory came against Gabon (3-2).

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has also presented them with their first-ever chance at knockout engagements in the competition’s history.

Winger Geny Catamo has hugged headlines for the Mozambicans, netting two out of their four goals at the mundial, while Faisal Bangal, Reinildo Mandava and Diogo Calila have contributed their quota.

Nigeria and Mozambique have crossed paths at the Africa Cup of Nations only once in history, with the Super Eagles defeating the Mambas comfortably by 3-0.

Their meeting came in the group phase of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, as ex-Premier League stars Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins got the goals for Nigeria, with the former scoring a brace.

Both countries have met four other times, with the Super Eagles claiming three wins, while they shared the spoils on the other occasion.

Nigeria Team News

Moreover, Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers and Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu are the only absentees for the upcoming game against Mozambique.

Dessers has returned to his club due to a thigh problem and will miss the remainder of the tournament, while Alebiosu is expected to be unavailable only for the last-16 clash with the Mambas to be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fes due to a nasty injury picked up against Uganda.

Mozambique Team News

Mozambique have a clean bill of health, with just a selection headache for manager Conde, who has the full complement of his players to choose from.

Possible XI for Nigeria (4-1-2-1-2):

Stanley Nwabali (GK), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semilore Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi; Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams.

Possible XI for Mozambique (4-2-3-1):

Ivane Urrubal (GK), Mexer, Fernando Chamboco, Edmilson Dove, Infren Nanani, Manuel Kambala, Guima, Geny Catamo, Elias Pelembe, Gildo Vilanculos, Stanley Ratifo.

Kick-off Time: 07:00 PM GMT (UTC+0) - 08:00 PM (WAT)