The Super Eagles head into Monday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique’s Mambas with a strong sense of belief, buoyed by an impressive unbeaten record against their Southern African opponents. Across five previous meetings, Nigeria have never tasted defeat against Mozambique, a statistic that adds extra confidence as both sides prepare for a high-stakes knockout clash. This historical dominance gives the Super Eagles a psychological edge as they look to continue their march in the tournament.
Since their first meeting in August 1999, Nigeria have claimed four victories over the Mambas, with just one draw separating the two sides. Those wins include narrow 1-0 triumphs in a friendly in Maputo in 1999 and a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abuja, as well as more convincing performances at the 2010 AFCON in Angola, where Nigeria ran out 3-0 winners, and a thrilling 3-2 friendly victory in Lisbon in October 2023. The only stalemate came in a goalless draw during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match, underlining Nigeria’s consistent ability to edge this matchup.
However, Mozambique arrive in Morocco with renewed confidence of their own, having recently ended a 39-year wait for an AFCON victory by defeating Gabon 3-2 in a Group F encounter. That landmark win has injected belief into the Mambas’ camp and serves as a warning that they cannot be underestimated. Monday’s Round of 16 showdown promises to be a compelling contest and will kick off at 8pm in Fes.