Nigeria and Mozambique face off this Monday in Fès, as the Super Eagles look to maintain their flawless tournament form against the Mambas side that has already made history just by reaching this stage.
The Super Eagles enter the knockout phase as one of the heavy favorites, having swept through Group C with three wins from three. Mozambique, meanwhile, is riding an emotional high; they secured their first-ever AFCON victory and knockout qualification with a dramatic group-stage run, proving they can hold their own against the continent’s elite.
Match details: Time and Venue
The encounter takes place at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, a stadium that has become a second home for the Nigerians, who played all their group matches at this venue.
- Date: Monday, 5 January 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time)
- Venue: Fès Stadium, Fès
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Where to watch the game globally
The 2025 edition of AFCON continues to deliver high-stakes drama. Fans can follow this Round of 16 clash through the following major providers:
- UK: Channel 4 (Free-to-air) on 4Seven, E4, and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español. Streaming via Fubo, Sling TV, and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French).
- Nigeria: Every game is available on NTA and the Afia TV network.
- South Africa: SABC 1 and the SABC+ app.
- Australia & NZ: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Team news
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has brought a clinical efficiency to the Super Eagles, who are currently on a 10-match AFCON scoring streak. However, they face minor personnel setbacks: striker Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, and right-back Ryan Alebiosu is a doubt after picking up a leg injury in the final group game. Victor Osimhen, who was rested during parts of the group stage, is expected to lead the line alongside Group C standout Ademola Lookman.
For the first time in 2026 📆 pic.twitter.com/dUiC5EruaM
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 4, 2026
Mozambique, under Chiquinho Conde, will be without Pepo, whose tournament ended early due to injury, but they have found a new hero in Geny Catamo. The Mambas have scored in every game so far but are yet to keep a clean sheet—a statistic they must improve if they are to stop Nigeria’s potent attack.
Hunting for an Upset
History is firmly on Nigeria’s side. In five previous meetings, the Super Eagles have won four and drawn once, outscoring the Mambas 7-2. Their most recent AFCON clash in 2010 ended in a 3-0 victory for the Nigerians.
Despite the lopsided history, Mozambique’s recent 3-2 victory over Gabon has filled the camp with belief. Coach Chiquinho Conde noted:
“We have already made history, so we play without the weight of the world on our shoulders. Nigeria has the stars, but we have the heart of a nation that has waited decades for this moment.”
Eric Chelle has warned his team against complacency:
“The group stage is over. In knockout football, your record means nothing if you don’t perform for 90 minutes. Mozambique has shown they never quit.”
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Round of 16: Monday Fixtures
| Match | Venue | Time (GMT) |
| Egypt vs Benin | Agadir | 16:00 |
| Nigeria vs Mozambique | Fès | 19:00 |
