The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their knockout phase campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique. After a flawless group stage performance, the Nigerian side will look to continue their winning momentum in a match scheduled for global broadcast and streaming.
Match Details and Road to the Knockouts
The crucial match is set for Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8:00 PM Nigerian time. It will be held at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco, the same stadium where Nigeria played all its Group C matches. The Super Eagles advanced with a perfect record, securing three wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Their opponents, Mozambique, survived a difficult group to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Their journey included a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gabon and defeats to heavyweights Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire.
Team News and Injury Updates
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be forced to make changes to his squad. Striker Cyriel Dessers has left the camp and returned to his club in Greece after a scan revealed a thigh problem. Defender Ryan Alebiosu is also unavailable as he recovers from a nasty cut sustained in the match against Uganda. However, there is positive news as Tochukwu Nnadi has returned to training after missing sessions due to a cold.
Mozambique has its own selection headaches, with two key players, Diogo Calila and Nene, ruled out of the match due to injury. This absence is a significant blow to coach Chiquinho Conde's tactical preparations for the biggest match of their tournament.
Coaches' Perspectives and Historical Context
Coach Eric Chelle has warned his players against complacency following their strong group stage showing. He emphasized the need for continuous focus as they enter the win-or-go-home phase of the competition. "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," Chelle stated.
Mozambique's coach, Chiquinho Conde, acknowledges the challenge but sees it as a historic opportunity. "We are humble, and we respect our opponent. But we also have the ambition of making history for our people. We want to write our names in capital letters in Mozambique football history," he said. He added that there is nothing more rewarding than defeating a top team like Nigeria.
History favors the Super Eagles in this fixture. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria is unbeaten in five previous encounters with Mozambique, winning four and drawing one. Their last AFCON meeting was in the 2010 group stage, where Nigeria secured a convincing 3-0 victory.
Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans in Nigeria can catch the live action on SuperSport channels available on DStv and GoTV. The match will also be streamed live on the SuperSport mobile app and other digital platforms.
For viewers across Africa and beyond:
- South Africa: SABC channels.
- Francophone Africa: Canal+ Afrique.
- United Kingdom: Channel 4.
The match officials have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The referee will be Cameroonian Abdou Abdel Mefir, assisted by his compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong.
As the nation rallies behind the Super Eagles, all eyes will be on Fes to see if the team can translate their group stage dominance into a deep run in the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.
