The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its knockout stage, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria set to face Mozambique in the Round of 16. Ahead of the crucial match, former Nigeria national team captain Sunday Oliseh has cautioned Eric Chelle’s team about the challenges that lie ahead. Oliseh emphasized that the knockout phase will be a significant departure from the group stages, where the Super Eagles emerged as the only team to win all three of their fixtures.
During the group stages, Nigeria scored eight goals and conceded four, demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. However, as Oliseh noted on his podcast, the dynamics of the competition have changed. “We’re starting the round of 16, and what changes here now is that if you lose, you go home,” he stated. The focus has shifted from playing attractive football to securing results, with the priority being to avoid conceding goals.
The Super Eagles’ impressive performance in the group stages has generated high expectations, but Oliseh’s warning serves as a reminder of the intense competition that awaits them. The team’s ability to adapt to the pressures of the knockout phase will be crucial in determining their progress in the tournament. As the Round of 16 gets underway, Nigeria will be looking to build on their momentum and overcome the challenges posed by Mozambique.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has already witnessed several exciting matches, and the upcoming clash between Nigeria and Mozambique is expected to be a closely contested encounter. With the stakes higher than ever, the Super Eagles will need to be at the top of their game to advance to the next round. The match against Mozambique will be a test of their resolve, tactical acumen, and defensive solidity, and the outcome will have significant implications for their campaign in the tournament.