By Kunle Solaja, Fes

Nigeria are firmly in wait-and-see mode as the Africa Cup of Nations moves deeper into the knockout phase, with the Super Eagles set to discover their quarter-final opponents following the conclusion of the remaining Round of 16 fixtures.

After producing the most emphatic performance of the tournament so far, the Nigeria national football team have booked their place in the last eight with confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side. Their 4–0 demolition of Mozambique not only secured qualification but also established the highest scoreline and widest winning margin at the ongoing finals in Morocco.

That commanding victory has placed Nigeria among the standout contenders for the continental crown as attention now shifts to the outcome of the clash between Algeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, which will determine the Super Eagles’ next opponents.

Nigeria’s performance in the Round of 16 underlined both attacking flair and tactical discipline. Led by a scintillating Ademola Lookman and powered by Victor Osimhen’s cutting edge, the Super Eagles combined pace, precision and composure to overwhelm Mozambique and reinforce their credentials as one of the best-balanced teams left in the competition.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew are expected to use the waiting period to fine-tune preparations, monitor player fitness and assess potential tactical adjustments ahead of the quarter-final showdown in Marrakech. With no room for error at this stage of the tournament, preparation and recovery will be key.

The Super Eagles’ defensive solidity has also drawn attention, having complemented their free-flowing attack with disciplined organisation at the back. That balance could prove decisive against either Algeria’s technical control and experience or DR Congo’s physicality and counter-attacking threat.

As the field narrows and pressure intensifies, Nigeria remain one of the tournament’s most decorated sides and will be keen to convert their current form into a deep run. For now, however, the Super Eagles must wait — confident, composed, and ready for whoever emerges as their next obstacle on the road to continental glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to a leg injury, the Moroccan FA said on Monday.

Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals after beating Tanzania 1-0 on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Brahim Diaz, who celebrated by lifting a shirt bearing Ounahi’s name.

“Medical tests confirmed that Azzedine Ounahi has suffered a muscle injury in his leg. It was officially announced that he will miss the competition,” Moroccan FA said in a statement.

The 25-year-old Girona midfielder, who appeared on crutches while watching the round of 16 game, will remain with Walid Regragui’s side “to support his teammates throughout the rest of the Africa Cup of Nations”.

Hosts Morocco face five-time champions Cameroon on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

-Reuters

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By Kunle Solaja, Rabat enroute Fes

Nigeria will resume their push for a fourth continental crown this Monday when they face Mozambique in a Round of 16 clash at the Stade de Fes.

The Super Eagles go into the duel in buoyant mood after a flawless group-stage campaign, while Mozambique’s Mambas are making history by reaching the knockout phase of the competition for the first time.

Nigeria, three-time champions, are chasing a fourth AFCON title and will be keen to translate their group-stage authority into another deep run.

It will be only the second meeting between the two sides at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their previous encounter came in the final group game of the 2010 tournament, when Nigeria recorded a commanding 3–0 victory. Peter Odemwingie struck twice either side of half-time, while Obafemi Martins added a late third.

Overall, the teams have met five times across all competitions, with Nigeria unbeaten, recording four wins and one draw.

They were also paired in the second round of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which doubled as AFCON qualifiers.

The first leg in Maputo in March 2009 ended goalless before Nigeria edged the return fixture 1–0 in October, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Victor Obinna. Nigeria went on to qualify for the World Cup, while both teams reached the 2010 AFCON finals.

Their most recent meeting was a friendly international in October 2023 in Albufeira, Portugal, which Nigeria won 3–2. Goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon sealed the win, with Geny Catamo and Faisal replying for Mozambique.

Nigeria’s group-stage performance in this edition has been one of their most convincing at AFCON. They have now won all three group matches for the fourth time overall, having previously achieved the feat in 1992, 2006 and 2021 — with the 1992 edition featuring three-team groups.

Victory over Uganda marked Nigeria’s 61st win in AFCON history, the second-highest total in the competition’s history, behind only Egypt.

The Super Eagles scored eight goals in the group phase, their highest tally at this stage of the competition, and found the net at least twice in each group match for the first time at AFCON.

 However, they also conceded four goals, taking their total goals conceded in AFCON history to 99. Another concession would see Nigeria become the fourth nation to concede 100 or more goals at the tournament, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo and Tunisia.

Nigeria have scored in their last 10 AFCON matches — their longest scoring streak at the tournament — but have also conceded in each of their last five games. Their last clean sheet came in a 1–0 quarter-final win over Angola in 2023.

This will be Nigeria’s fourth appearance in the Round of 16 since the format was introduced. They progressed in 2019 and 2023 but were eliminated in 2021. Notable knockout victories include a 3–2 win over Cameroon in 2019, inspired by a brace from Odion Ighalo, and a 2–0 success against the same opponents in 2023, when Ademola Lookman scored both goals.

A win over Mozambique would send Nigeria into the quarter-finals for the 12th time. Since the quarter-final stage was introduced in 1992, the Super Eagles have failed to reach the last eight only once — a reminder of both their pedigree and the expectations that follow them into Monday night’s encounter in Fes.

Nigeria versus Mozambique: Head-to-Head

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