Former Nigeria forward Peter Ijeh in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has warned the Super Eagles to address their defensive frailties as they prepare to face Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16.
Nigeria progressed to the knockout stage with a 100% record from the group phase, scoring seven goals from three matches. However, they conceded four times and failed to keep a clean sheet, raising concerns despite their impressive attacking output.
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Ijeh believes the lack of defensive solidity could be costly as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
“This Super Eagles team is suddenly full of goals, but they are struggling to keep clean sheets, which should lead to another entertaining contest,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Mozambique are appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, and Ijeh says their achievement should not be underestimated.
“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, I think they will again play their part in a decent contest, where Nigeria’s far superior firepower will eventually tell,” he added.
Nigeria were among the most impressive sides of the group stage and recorded a convincing win over Uganda despite making several changes to the starting XI.
That performance, Ijeh says, could present head coach Eric Chelle with selection dilemmas.
“The coach has plenty of strength in depth at his disposal, and it remains to be seen whether any of the players who came in against Uganda can keep their places. Raphael Onyedika registered a quick-fire second-half brace from midfield, while Paul Onuachu also got on the scoresheet after deputising for Akor Adams alongside Osimhen,” he explained
“These two players have given the technical crew and coaches more to chew on and more decisions to make, creating greater competition in midfield and in attack.”
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Mozambique, known as the Mambas, finished third in Group F and set up a meeting with Nigeria despite a 2-1 defeat by Cameroon in their final group match.
Looking at the history between the two sides, Ijeh believes Nigeria have enough quality and experience to progress.
“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. I think it’s going to be an interesting game, but the Super Eagles are the favourites on paper,” he concluded
Nigeria face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.
