AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Confident Ahead Of Mozambique Knockout Clash

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has declared that he and his national teammates are fully prepared for the pressures of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout round as they prepare to face Mozambique on Monday.

The Super Eagles secured their place in the last 16 by topping Group C with nine points. Their campaign began with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against Tunisia, and concluded the group stage with a dominant 3-1 triumph over Uganda.

Now, the three-time AFCON champions will meet Mozambique in the first knockout stage.

“I think everyone is looking forward to playing in the knockout stage,” Dele-Bashiru informed journalists during a media briefing at the Super Eagles’ training ground in Fes. “It’s a moment that brings pressure, but we are ready for this, and we will be working towards this match in the coming days. The lads will be ready.”

Dele-Bashiru made his first significant contribution at this year’s AFCON by setting up Paul Onuachu for the opening goal against Uganda. Reflecting on the assist, the Lazio star commented: “The team played very well [against Uganda], so it was easy for me to make that assist. I was in a good position, and Bruno [Onyemaechi] played a very good pass to me. From there, you know we have killer strikers in the box with good movement, so it was easy for me to find one of them. The way we played against Uganda made it easier for individual players to provide assists.”

Meanwhile, the squad, led by Coach Eric Chelle, held closed-door training sessions yesterday and on Friday in preparation for their second-round encounter with Mozambique at the 2025 AFCON.

This was confirmed by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, who stated that Chelle believes he needs undisturbed time to prepare for the clash with Mozambique.

This upcoming match will mark the second time the Super Eagles and Mozambique have met at the AFCON, with their previous encounter occurring in the group stage of the 2010 edition in Angola, where the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.