Nigeria will continue their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown when they face Mozambique in Fez on Monday.
The Super Eagles went into the tournament looking to appease fans after their disappointing World Cup qualification campaign.
So far, the three-time African champions appear to be on the right path, having won their first three matches in the tournament to finish top of Group C.
Eric Chelle’s team showed how much of a threat they are to the opposition, with relentless attacking football, which resulted in eight goals across three preliminary encounters.
That said, they are not without their weaknesses, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition so far, conceding four goals in the process.
Meanwhile, Mozambique will count themselves lucky to have steered their way past the group stage of the competition, having won only one of their three first-round games.
Chiquinho Conde’s men opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat against current champions Ivory Coast, before they claimed a historic 3-2 victory over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon.
In their final outing of the group stage, they recorded a 2-1 loss to Cameroon, but their matchday two win over Gabon was good enough to get through as one of the best losers.
Playing in their first knockout game in their AFCON history, they will go into the encounter as the underdog, and a victory for them will be one of the most remarkable stories of this year’s competition.
However, their form does not inspire confidence, and even worse, they have been on the losing side in their previous four meetings.
How the bookies view it: Nigeria are the favourites
Nigeria are favored to come out on top, as they are priced at 4/11 on William Hill. An unlikely victory for the Mozambicans is priced at 8/1, while a draw is set at 17/5.
Head-to-head: Nigeria have been dominating
As earlier stated, Mozambique have struggled against Nigeria, with the Super Eagles winning four and drawing one.
Chelle’s men have scored 11 goals in that time, while they have conceded four goals.
Player to watch: Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has been one of the standout performers of the Nigerian team. The Atalanta winger has four goal involvements in two matches.
The former RB Leipzig star has scored twice and provided two assists to help Nigeria book their place in the round of 16.
Probable line-ups
Nigeria made many changes in their final group game against Uganda, with many fringe players given playing time.
Now that the competition is in a crucial stage, Chelle is expected to reinstate the regulars for the clash against the Mambas.
Nevertheless, the duo of Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiousu are not expected to play any part on Monday, as they are injured at the moment.
For Mozambique, Nene was withdrawn against Cameroon; hence, he could be on the sidelines for this encounter.
Nigeria: Nwabili, Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Adams, Lookman, Osimhen
Mozambique: Urrubal, Nanani, Dove, Chamboco, Mexer, Kambala, Bonde; Dominguez, Catamo, Gildo, Ratifo
Anything else that catches the eye
Games involving these two teams to record goals at both ends, and given Nigeria’s penchant for goals and defensive lapses, both teams to score pays at 6/5 on William Hill.
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