Nigeria vs Mozambique: Team News, Head-To-Head, Key Stats, Prediction, Kick-Off Time, Date and Venue

Nigeria continue their push for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown as they face Mozambique in the last 16 in Morocco. The Super Eagles, runners-up in Ivory Coast in 2024, have started strongly, winning all three of their group matches to join Algeria as the only sides with a perfect record.

Eric Chelle’s men opened with a nervy 2-1 win over Tanzania before edging Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic contest where they nearly surrendered a three-goal lead. Their final group game was more straightforward, a 3-1 victory over Uganda with eight changes to the starting XI.

Mozambique, meanwhile, are enjoying their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages. Chiquinho Conde’s side earned their maiden AFCON win against Gabon, lost narrowly to Ivory Coast, and even led Cameroon before eventually falling 2-1. Their efforts were enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Date, kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Mozambique is set for Monday, January 5, 2026, with kick-off at 7pm GMT (8pm local time in Morocco and Nigeria, 9pm in Mozambique). The match will be played at the Fez Stadium, where Nigeria have contested all their group fixtures.

Where to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique
The game will be broadcast live on DSTV, GOtv and M4stv.

Nigeria vs Mozambique team news
Nigeria’s key players were rested against Uganda, with Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman all protected from suspension risks. Victor Osimhen, carrying a minor knock, still started and captained the side, but avoided a booking.

Ryan Alebiosu made his senior debut at right-back but suffered a deep cut that required hospital treatment, casting doubt on his participation. Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, while Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick remain sidelined. Raphael Onyedika impressed with a brace against Uganda, while Paul Onuachu also scored, giving Chelle selection dilemmas in attack.

Mozambique will look to Geny Catamo, who scored a brilliant opener against Cameroon. Reinildo and other regulars are expected to return after rotation in their final group game.

Head to head
Nigeria and Mozambique meet for only the second time at AFCON. Their previous clash came in 2010, when Nigeria won 3-0 thanks to Peter Odemwingie’s brace and a late strike from Obafemi Martins.

Across all competitions, Nigeria are unbeaten in five meetings, with four wins and one draw. They also faced off in 2010 World Cup qualifying, drawing 0-0 in Maputo before Nigeria won 1-0 in Abuja through Victor Obinna. Their most recent meeting was a friendly in Portugal in October 2023, which Nigeria won 3-2.

Key statistics
Nigeria have reached the knockout rounds for the 16th consecutive AFCON, last failing to do so in 1982. They scored eight goals in the group stage, their highest tally ever, and have now found the net in 10 straight AFCON matches. However, they have conceded in their last five games, leaving them one goal away from becoming the fourth nation to concede 100 in tournament history.

Mozambique, by contrast, are in uncharted territory. This is their first knockout appearance after five failed attempts. Their win over Gabon was their first in AFCON history, ending a run of 17 matches without victory. They have never kept a clean sheet in the competition, conceding in all 18 matches played. Geny Catamo has been their standout, scoring in back-to-back games and becoming the most productive Mozambican player in AFCON history.

Prediction
Nigeria have shown why they are considered among the favourites, combining attacking depth with resilience. Lookman and Osimhen remain a dangerous pairing, though defensive lapses have been a concern. Chelle will demand a more controlled performance than in earlier matches.

Mozambique have already made history by reaching this stage and recording their first AFCON win. While they will be proud of their achievements, Nigeria’s firepower and experience should prove decisive. Expect goals at both ends, but the Super Eagles are overwhelming favourites to progress.