As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations enters its decisive knockout phase, a stark warning has been issued to Nigeria's Super Eagles by a respected African football figure. Despite a perfect group-stage record, the Nigerian team has been urged to shed any complacency ahead of their Round of 16 showdown with Mozambique.
A Legend's Cautionary Tale
Cameroon football icon Joel Epalle has exclusively told CAFonline that pedigree alone will not secure victory for Nigeria when they face the Mambas on Monday, January 5. Epalle, who understands the pressures of continental tournaments, emphasized that Mozambique should not be taken lightly, despite their underdog status in African football.
"I didn't necessarily expect [Mozambique] to perform at this level," Epalle admitted. "Tactically, they were very well organized. To go far in the AFCON, you need athletic qualities, but the Mozambicans are quite skillful, they played with freedom and confidence." He specifically highlighted their effective style of play, noting, "Their football relied on sharp transitions, executed perfectly."
The Mozambican Threat: Why Nigeria Must Be Wary
The warning from Epalle is rooted in Mozambique's surprising and historic campaign at AFCON 2025. The Mambas have already captured the imagination of the tournament by securing their first-ever group-stage victory, a dramatic 3-2 win over Gabon. They followed this with resilient performances against continental heavyweights like Cameroon and Ivory Coast, showcasing a newfound belief and tactical discipline.
Epalle pointed to the cohesive structure of the Mozambican squad as a key strength. "Also, the fact that their players are mainly made from the local league and their coach is national too contributed," he explained. "The coach, himself a former international, was able to implement his philosophy, and the players delivered." This homegrown approach has forged a unified and dangerous team that thrives as a collective.
While history heavily favors Nigeria—with four wins and one draw in their five previous meetings—past results offer no guarantee in the high-stakes environment of a knockout match in Fez, Morocco.
Super Eagles' Path to the Quarter-Finals
Despite the cautionary advice, Epalle still views Nigeria as one of the favorites to advance. The Super Eagles, seeking a fourth AFCON title after triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, possess formidable attacking talent. With stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the line, they have the firepower to overcome any opponent.
"It will likely be a continuation of what the favorites showed in the group stage," Epalle predicted regarding the Round of 16. "There might be a few surprises, but given the matchups, logic will probably prevail with Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria advancing."
However, the path is not without obstacles. Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, faces a significant setback as three key players are set to miss the crucial match due to injuries and illness. This development adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria's preparation and underscores the need for the entire squad to maintain focus and discipline.
For the Super Eagles to progress, they must blend their natural attacking creativity with the tactical rigor demanded in knockout football. The message from a legend like Joel Epalle is clear: respect the opponent, execute the game plan, and avoid the trap of underestimation at all costs.
