Nigeria vs Mozambique

Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations
Venue: Complexe sportif de Fès, Fes
Date: 05.01.2026
Time: 19:00 GMT

Nigeria vs Mozambique Form

Nigeria enter this match in good form, winning all three of their group stage matches: 2-1 vs Tanzania, 3-2 vs Tunisia, and 3-1 vs Uganda.

Mozambique, meanwhile, are coming off a 1-2 loss against Cameroon. The Mambas progressed as one of the best third place teams, courtesy of their 3-2 victory over Gabon.

The last time these two sides met, Nigeria emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in an international friendly in October 2023.

Nigeria have dominated the head-to-head record, winning four of the five previous meetings, with one match ending in a draw.

Nigeria vs Mozambique Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (4-3-1-2): Nwabali; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyeka; Lookman; Adams, Osimhen

Mozambique (4-2-3-1): Siluane; Langa, Mandava, Mexer, Calila; Amade, Guima; Witi, Dominguês, Catamo; Bangal

Nigeria are likely to recall several key players after rotating their squad against Uganda. Nwabali, Ajayi, and Lookman are all expected to return to the starting eleven. Osimhen captained the side in the final group game and is fit to start, while Onyeka and Ndidi should resume their roles in midfield. Alebiosu is a doubt after suffering a foot injury, while Aina and Fredrick remain unavailable.

Mozambique are also likely to recall first-choice players after rotating in their final group match. Mandava should return at left-back, while Catamo remains their primary attacking threat. There appear to be no major new injury concerns for Mozambique.

Who are the betting favourites in Nigeria vs Mozambique?

Nigeria are 1/3 favourites to get the victory in 90 minutes which would send them to the quarter-finals. The draw to take the game to extra is 9/2, and Mozambique are 11/1 underdogs to inflict a shock upset.

Nigeria vs Mozambique Match Result Best Odds Bookmaker
Nigeria Win 1/3 bet365
Draw 9/2 PricedUp
Mozambique Win 11/1 Betfred

Odds last updated at 16:10, Monday 5th January.

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Nigeria vs Mozambique Match Prediction

Nigeria head into this Round of 16 clash as strong favourites after a perfect group-stage campaign, scoring freely and showcasing the depth and attacking quality that makes them genuine contenders for the title.

While the Super Eagles have conceded in every match so far, their ability to respond with goals — and win games even when momentum shifts — suggests they are well equipped for knockout football.

Mozambique, meanwhile, are enjoying a historic tournament after reaching the AFCON knockout rounds for the first time and will likely approach this tie with the same bravery and attacking intent that earned them their maiden finals victory.

However, their defensive openness could leave them exposed against one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition.

If Nigeria control the tempo and sharpen up defensively, they should have enough quality to progress, even if Mozambique manage to make it a competitive and entertaining contest.

Score Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Mozambique

Nigeria vs Mozambique Betting Tip

Our Bet Builder Tip for Nigeria vs Mozambique is: 

Victor Osimhen - Anytime Goalscorer
Calvin Bassey - To Be Carded 
Calvin Bassey - To Be Fouled 2+

The bet builder is a best price of 25/1 with bet365 when publishing. 

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