Nigeria Vs Mozambique: Iwobi, Lookman, Ndidi, Akor Return as Eagles Target 62nd AFCON Win, Quarter-Final Spot

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams will spearhead Nigeria’s attack as the Super Eagles aim for their 62nd Africa Cup of Nations victory in Monday night’s Round of 16 clash at AFCON 2025.

Head coach Eric Chelle has recalled Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka to the starting lineup after resting them in the 3-1 win over Uganda. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also returns between the posts as Nigeria look to extend their impressive run in the competition.

This marks Nigeria’s 18th participation in the direct knockout rounds and their 16th successive progression beyond the group stage, having last failed to do so in 1982. Including the unique two-group format of 1976, the Eagles have now advanced past the group phase 19 times.

Nigeria swept through the group stage with three wins, defeating Tanzania 2–1, Tunisia 3–2 and Uganda 3–1. It is the fourth time they have won all their group matches at AFCON, and their tally of eight goals is their highest ever in a group phase. They have also scored at least twice in each of their three games, a first in their tournament history.

Victory over Uganda was Nigeria’s 61st at AFCON, leaving them just one behind Egypt’s record of 62. The Eagles have now scored in their last 10 AFCON matches, their longest streak at the competition, though they have conceded in each of their last five games.

Another concession would make them only the fourth nation to have let in 100 or more goals at AFCON.

This is Nigeria’s fourth Round of 16 appearance. They defeated Cameroon 3–2 in 2019, lost 1–0 to Tunisia in 2021, and beat Cameroon 2–0 in 2023 with Lookman scoring twice.

A win Monday night would secure their 12th quarter-final berth, having missed out only once since the stage was introduced in 1992.