Super Eagles Face Historic Underdogs Mambas in Fez Showdown.

Super Eagles

The TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 knockout stage kicks off with fireworks as three-time champions Nigeria face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès (Fez Stadium). Kick-off: 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT / 20:00 WAT).

Nigeria topped Group C with a perfect nine points, showcasing attacking flair in wins over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1). Stars like Victor Osimhen (clinical finishing) and Ademola Lookman (goals + assists) have been unstoppable, with coach Eric Chelle rotating successfully while managing yellow cards.

Mozambique, the Mambas, pulled off a historic qualification as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F – marking their strongest AFCON showing yet. Their shock 3-2 win over Gabon and resilient displays against heavyweights Ivory Coast and Cameroon propelled them through, delivering their first-ever finals victory in the process.

Mozambique players sing national anthem before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier game between Mozambique and Mali at Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique on 15 November 2024 © Jaime Machel/BackpagePix

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the sides. Nigeria are heavy favorites, but Mozambique’s counter-attacking threat (led by talents like Geny Catamo) and underdog spirit could spring a surprise – classic AFCON magic.

The winner advances to the quarter-finals against the victor of another Round of 16 tie. Super Eagles flying high – can the Mambas bite?