[ad_1]
There was a stress-free finale as Chelle made eight changes for a routine 3-1 win over 10-man Uganda, knowing that their place as group winners was already assured.
Nigeria will be heavy favourites to continue their winning run against Mozambique, who have made it into the knockout stages at AFCON for the very first time on what is their fifth appearance in the competition.
It was enough to take them through as the best of the four top third-place finishers who joined the 12 group winners and runners-up in the last 16.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Mozambique is scheduled for a 7pm GMT kick-off on Monday January 5, 2026. That is 8pm local time and in Nigeria, 9pm in Mozambique.
The match will take place at the Fez Stadium, where Nigeria have played every game so far.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique
TV channel: Every match at this edition of AFCON is being shown live in the UK across Channel 4’s network.
This fixture will be broadcast on 4seven, with coverage starting at 6:55pm GMT.
Live stream: You can stream the game online via the official Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel or through Channel 4’s website and app.
Live blog: Follow minute-by-minute updates from Monday’s clash with Standard Sport’s live blog.
Nigeria vs Mozambique team news
Most of Nigeria’s key stars should be well rested after Chelle made sweeping changes against Uganda, protecting the likes of Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, all of whom were only one yellow card away from missing the last 16.
Nwabali and Frank Onyeka had also picked up minor knocks against Tunisia, as did star striker Victor Osimhen, who was also running a suspension risk but started and captained the Super Eagles against Uganda, playing almost the full match but not getting booked.
Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu made his senior international debut for Nigeria at right-back against the Cranes, but suffered a deep cut to his foot that required a hospital visit and threw his participation in the rest of the tournament into question.
Injury blow: Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu was hurt on his senior international debut for Nigeria
Getty Images
Former Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers was also sent for a scan on a thigh issue having yet to play at AFCON and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, where Nigeria are without injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick, having also omitted the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Maduka Okoye from their tournament squad.
Chelle has plenty of strength in depth at his disposal and it remains to be seen if any of the players who came in against Uganda can keep their places, with Raphael Onyedika having registered a quick-fire second-half brace from midfield and Paul Onuachu also on the scoresheet after deputising for Akor Adams alongside Osimhen.
Mozambique’s star man is Sporting winger Geny Catamo, who scored a brilliant goal to give them an initial lead over Cameroon.
The Mambas made sweeping changes for that final game in Group F, with Sunderland’s Reinildo among the players who will expect to come back in here.
Nigeria vs Mozambique prediction
Nigeria have shown why they are rightly considered among the top contenders for AFCON glory once again in Morocco, brushing off the disappointment of their World Cup play-off penalty heartbreak against DR Congo in a 100 per cent start to the competition.
Their strength in depth is the envy of most other teams in Africa, especially in attack, where Lookman and Osimhen can be devastating together.
However, two of those opening three wins were not nearly as comfortable as Chelle would have liked in the end and he will be demanding a more comprehensive 90-minute performance here in a game for which his side will be massive favourites.
This Super Eagles team are suddenly full of goals, but they are struggling to keep clean sheets which should lead to another entertaining contest.
Mozambique winning an AFCON game for the first time and reaching the last 16 is a huge achievement and they can be very proud of their efforts at this tournament, regardless of what happens next.
As it is, we think they will again play their part in a decent contest where Nigeria’s far superior firepower will eventually tell.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Nigeria have won four of the five previous meetings between these two countries, with the only exception being a goalless World Cup qualifier in 2009.
Their last meeting was in October 2023, when the Super Eagles won a friendly match in Portugal 3-2.
Nigeria vs Mozambique match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
[ad_2]
Source link