The Africa Cup of Nations always delivers drama, and this year’s tournament in Morocco has been no exception. As we head into the knockout stages, one matchup that has everyone talking is Nigeria’s Super Eagles taking on Mozambique’s Mambas in the Round of 16. I’ve followed African football for years – back in 2013, I stayed up late watching Nigeria lift the trophy in South Africa, and the heartbreak of the 2023 final against Ivory Coast still stings. This game feels like a chance for redemption for the Super Eagles, but Mozambique’s fairy-tale run adds that classic AFCON unpredictability. Let’s dive deep into what to expect on January 5.
Match Details and Kick-Off Time
This Round of 16 clash is set for Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, Morocco.
Kick-off is at 8:00 PM local time (Moroccan/WAT), which is 7:00 PM GMT or 2:00 PM ET.
It’s a single-elimination game, so extra time and penalties are possible if tied after 90 minutes. The venue has been kind to Nigeria – they’ve played all their group games here and remained unbeaten.
How Nigeria Reached the Knockouts
Nigeria stormed through Group C with a perfect record, one of only two teams (alongside Algeria) to win all three matches.
They beat Tanzania 2-1 in a gritty opener, edged Tunisia in a tense affair, and closed with a comfortable 3-1 win over Uganda, even after rotating heavily.
That flawless run gave them nine points and the tournament’s most dangerous attack so far. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been firing on all cylinders, reminding everyone why this “golden generation” is tipped for glory.
Mozambique’s Historic Journey to the Round of 16
For Mozambique, just being here is a massive achievement – this is their first-ever AFCON knockout appearance in six tournaments.
They scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, with a memorable 3-2 win over Gabon marking their first AFCON victory in 40 years.
Losses to Ivory Coast and Cameroon showed resilience, though, and players like Geny Catamo have shone brightly. It’s the kind of underdog story that makes AFCON special – think Comoros stunning Ghana a few years back.
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria dominate the historical matchups, remaining unbeaten in five meetings across competitions.
They’ve won four, including a 3-0 victory in the 2010 AFCON group stage and a 3-2 friendly win in 2023.
The only non-win was a 0-0 draw in 2009 World Cup/AFCON qualifiers. Mozambique have never beaten the Super Eagles, but history means little in knockouts.
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 2010 | AFCON Group Stage | Nigeria win | 3-0 |
| Oct 16, 2023 | Friendly | Nigeria win | 3-2 |
| Mar 29, 2009 | WC/AFCON Qualifiers | Draw | 0-0 |
| Overall | All competitions | Nigeria 4 wins, 1 draw |
Nigeria Team News and Expected Lineup
Coach Eric Chelle has a fully fit squad, with no major injuries reported.
He rested key players like Osimhen and Lookman in the Uganda game, so expect them back.
Midfield dynamo Raphael Onyedika impressed with a brace off the bench and could push for a start.
Expected Nigeria Lineup (3-4-3): Nwabali; Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
- Key Players to Watch: Victor Osimhen (pace and power up top), Ademola Lookman (dribbling wizardry), Wilfred Ndidi (defensive shield).
Nigeria’s strength lies in their attacking depth – they’ve scored freely but conceded in every group game, a potential vulnerability.
Mozambique Team News and Expected Lineup
Chiquinho Conde will likely revert to his strongest XI after rotating against Cameroon.
Star winger Geny Catamo (Sporting CP) is fit and dangerous, while Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) bolsters the defense.
Veteran Domingues Pelembe, at 42 the tournament’s oldest outfield player, adds experience.
Expected Mozambique Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ernani; Mexer, Reinildo, Dove, Langa; Amade, Guima; Catamo, Domingues, Witi; Ratifo.
- Key Players to Watch: Geny Catamo (creative spark), Reinildo Mandava (solid at the back).
The Mambas thrive on counter-attacks and set pieces but struggle to keep clean sheets.
Tactical Breakdown and Prediction
Nigeria will dominate possession and look to exploit flanks with Lookman and Chukwueze.
Mozambique will sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the break – classic underdog tactics.
The Super Eagles’ superior quality should shine through, but if they get frustrated, Catamo could punish them.
I see Nigeria winning 2-0 or 3-1, advancing comfortably but not without a few nervous moments. Osimhen to score feels inevitable.
Pros for Nigeria:
- Superior talent and depth
- Perfect group stage form
- Experience in knockouts
Cons for Nigeria:
- Defensive leaks (no clean sheets yet)
- Risk of complacency
Pros for Mozambique:
- Nothing to lose, high motivation
- Dangerous on counters
- Historic momentum
Cons for Mozambique:
- Lack of knockout experience
- Inferior head-to-head record
- Struggled against top attacks
Players to Watch
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The Galatasaray striker is hungry after missing out on World Cup qualification. His aerial presence could be decisive.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Atalanta’s star has been involved in multiple goals already – expect magic.
- Geny Catamo (Mozambique): The Sporting winger’s pace and skill make him the biggest threat. One moment of brilliance could change everything.
Where to Watch
In Nigeria, catch it live on SuperSport channels or NTA. UK viewers can tune into Channel 4. Streaming options include CAF’s official YouTube in select regions or apps like beIN Sports.
People Also Ask
What time does Nigeria vs Mozambique kick off? 8:00 PM Nigerian time (WAT), January 5, 2026.
Who is favored to win Nigeria vs Mozambique? Nigeria are heavy favorites, with most bookmakers giving them odds around 1.30 to advance.
Have Nigeria and Mozambique played before at AFCON? Yes, once – Nigeria won 3-0 in the 2010 group stage.
Is this Mozambique’s first AFCON knockout game? Yes, a historic milestone for the Mambas.
Who advances if Nigeria beats Mozambique? They’ll face the winner of Algeria vs DR Congo in the quarter-finals.
FAQ
1. Can Mozambique cause an upset against Nigeria? Absolutely possible – AFCON is full of shocks. Their counter-attacks could exploit Nigeria’s high line, but the Super Eagles’ firepower makes it unlikely.
2. Will Victor Osimhen start for Nigeria? Yes, he was rested in the final group game but is expected to lead the line here.
3. What’s the venue like for this match? The Complexe Sportif de Fès has a great atmosphere, and Nigeria fans have turned it green-white in group games. Expect vocal support.
4. How have Nigeria performed in recent AFCON knockouts? Strong – runners-up in 2023, third in 2019. They’re experienced at this stage.
5. Any key absences for either team? No major injuries reported. Both coaches have near-full squads available.
This matchup captures everything great about AFCON: giants vs underdogs, redemption arcs, and pure passion. Nigeria should progress, but Mozambique have already won hearts – whatever happens, it’ll be memorable. Who are you backing? Drop your predictions below!