Nigeria v Mozambique – Line-ups, stats and preview

Group C winners Nigeria continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fez on Monday.

The Super Eagles progressed through the group stage with a perfect record, while Mozambique booked their place in the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Eric Chelle’s side underlined their credentials as title contenders by winning all three of their group matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four in the process.

Their most recent victory, a 3-1 success over Uganda, came with a heavily rotated starting XI, highlighting the depth at Chelle’s disposal.

That squad depth has been a defining feature of Nigeria’s tournament so far. With several regular starters expected to return on Monday, Mozambique will be tasked with containing one of the most potent attacking units at the competition.

However, there have been some concerns defensively. Nigeria are yet to keep a clean sheet at the tournament, conceding in all three group-stage matches, which offers a glimmer of encouragement for their opponents.

Mozambique, meanwhile, are appearing in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.

Having secured their first AFCON win, the Mambas will be aiming for a major upset as they chase only their second victory in the competition’s history and a place in the quarter-finals.

Team news for Nigeria v Mozambique

Eric Chelle has acknowledged the difficulty of selecting his starting XI given the depth and quality within his squad.

Victor Osimhen is expected to return to the starting lineup despite an inconsistent tournament so far. The Galatasaray striker did score against Tunisia on matchday two but has otherwise struggled to impose himself in the final third.

Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are both set to be reinstated after being rested against Uganda, while Samuel Chukwueze should also feature in an advanced role.

Defensively, a familiar back four of Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel is likely to be restored.

Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu will miss out through injury, with the former yet to feature at the tournament.

Mozambique are dealing with their own injury concerns, as Diogo Calila and Nene are ruled out and will not be available for selection.

Expected line-ups for Nigeria v Mozambique

Nigeria: Nwabili; Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze; Adams, Lookman; Osimhen

Mozambique: Urrubal; Nanani, Dove, Chamboco, Mexer; Kambala, Bonde; Dominguez, Catamo, Gildo; Ratifo

How to watch Nigeria v Mozambique: TV channel, live online stream

Kick-off on Monday is at 19:00 UK time. In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.

The stats for Nigeria v Mozambique

• Nigeria won all three of their group-stage matches at AFCON 2025
• The Super Eagles scored eight goals in the group phase, the highest total in the competition
• Nigeria have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches
• Mozambique qualified as one of the best third-placed teams
• The Mambas have won only one match in AFCON history
• Nigeria have won four of the last five meetings between the two sides

Prediction