Nigeria will face Mozambique in a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 round of 16 clash as the tournament’s most potent attacking squad aims for their fourth continental title. The knockout game takes place at Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8 p.m. (19:00 GMT).

Fans can follow all pre-match build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 16:00 GMT, with live text commentary available for the game.

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How Nigeria and Mozambique Reached the Round of 16

Nigeria, one of Africa’s football powerhouses, topped Group C with a perfect record, defeating Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The Super Eagles were the first team to qualify for the knockout stage, boasting impressive squad depth and attacking flair.

Mozambique, ranked 102nd in the world, advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams in Group F. Their historic qualification came after a 40-year wait, with a key victory against Gabon. This will be Mozambique’s first appearance in AFCON’s knockout stages, making them underdogs against the experienced Nigerian side.

The winner will travel to Marrakesh to face the victor of the Algeria vs Democratic Republic of the Congo quarterfinal match on January 10.

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Nigeria’s Key Players

Nigeria’s squad is stacked with attacking talent:

• Ademola Lookman – Two goals and two assists make him a standout performer. Rested for the final group match, he is expected to play a key role against Mozambique.
• Raphael Onyedika – Scored twice in the last group-stage match, adding creativity and goal threat from midfield.
• Alex Iwobi – Orchestrates play from midfield, linking defense to attack.
• Victor Osimhen – A feared striker who has scored once in three games but remains Nigeria’s primary attacking threat.

The Super Eagles have the highest goal tally (8) and possession average (66%) in the tournament so far, highlighting their dominance in attacking play.

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Mozambique’s Key Players

Mozambique will rely on:

• Geny Catamo – Winger and scorer of two of Mozambique’s four goals, central to the Mambas’ historic progress.
• Faisal Bangal – Forward who provides attacking support and goal threat.
• Diogo Calila – Right-back contributing both defensively and offensively, though unavailable due to injury for this match.

Mozambique has struggled defensively, conceding in all 18 AFCON matches historically and failing to keep a clean sheet in the tournament.

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Nigeria vs Mozambique – Head-to-Head

The teams have met five times across competitive and friendly games, with Nigeria winning four and drawing once. Their last meeting was a friendly in Albufeira, Portugal, in October 2023, which Nigeria won 3-2.

At AFCON, the sides previously met in 2010, when Nigeria won 3-0 in the final group-stage match. Nigeria has also qualified for the knockout stages 16 consecutive times, having last failed in 1982.

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Team News and Predicted Lineups

Nigeria Team News

• Injuries: Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu are ruled out.
• Predicted Lineup:
  • Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabili
  • Defense: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
  • Midfield: Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi
  • Attack: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman

Coach Eric Chelle may retain Onyedika in midfield after his match-winning performance in the last game.

Mozambique Team News

• Injuries: Diogo Calila and Nene are unavailable.
• Predicted Lineup:
  • Goalkeeper: Ivane Urrubal
  • Defense: Infren Nani, Mexer, Reinildo Mandava, Bruno Langa
  • Midfield: Guima, Manuel Kambala
  • Attack: Geny Catamo, Elias Pelembe, Witi, Faisal Bangal

Mozambique will rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces against a dominant Nigerian team.

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AFCON Stats and Records

• Nigeria: Three-time AFCON champions (1980, 1994, 2013); runners-up five times.
• Mozambique: No AFCON titles; six appearances, with 2025 marking their best finish.
• Nigeria Group Performance: W-W-W; eight goals scored; 66% average possession.
• Mozambique Group Performance: L-W-L-L-D; one win in 18 AFCON matches.

Nigeria enter the match as clear favorites, but Mozambique will aim to make history with their first knockout-stage victory.