By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
Journalist kick42.com – Cameroon
Nigeria continue their pursuit of a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the Stade de Fes this Monday, but head coach Eric Chelle insists the knockout phase represents a complete reset.
This is the end of the group stage. Another tournament starts,” Chelle said. “We play against Mozambique and the state of mind of the group is good. This evening we will have the final training session to prepare for the game tomorrow.”
The Super Eagles arrive in Fes in formidable form. They won all three group matches — defeating Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2) and Uganda (3–1) — scoring eight goals, their highest tally in an AFCON group phase. It is the fourth time Nigeria have won all their group games at the tournament and extends their scoring streak to 10 consecutive AFCON matches, the longest in their history.
Yet Chelle played down individual performances and statistics, underlining the importance of collective preparation.
We analysed the three group games. The most important thing is the training session,” he explained. “There is no question about whether one player played well in the last game. It is a question about the group. We are focused on our game project. This is the most important thing.”
Nigeria’s attacking momentum has been driven by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who together have contributed seven goal involvements so far at the tournament. Their influence has helped Nigeria score at least twice in each group match for the first time in AFCON history.
Capitain Wilfried Ndidi at pre-match press conference.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi believes the team’s mindset is aligned with their coach’s message.
The spirit in camp is high, and everyone is ready for this game,” Ndidi said. “The group stage is gone and the competition starts now. Winning AFCON would be amazing, but the reality is the next game. That is what matters.”
Statistically, Nigeria have imposed themselves across the pitch. Against Uganda, they enjoyed 72% possession, attempted 576 passes and completed 528, while Igoh Ogbu led all players with 76 completed passes. Samuel Chukwueze created five chances, delivered seven line-breaking passes and recorded two assists, his first assists in 16 AFCON appearances. Raphael Onyedika also scored his first AFCON goals, netting twice from shots on target.
Despite those numbers, Chelle acknowledged the pressure that comes with expectations.
Since I took this job, I have been under pressure,” he said. “Game after game, we want to become ambitious. But now we think only about the game against Mozambique. If God gives us the chance to go to the quarter-finals, we will think about it later. Yes, we are under pressure.”
Nigeria are contesting the knockout rounds for the 18th time and are making their 16th consecutive appearance beyond the group stage. Victory would take them into the quarter-finals for the 12th time, having failed to reach the last eight just once since 1992.
Mozambique, meanwhile, are appearing in the knockout stages for the first time in their AFCON history. Although they have conceded in all 18 AFCON matches they have played and have never kept a clean sheet at the finals, Chelle warned against complacency.
We are focused on us,” he added. “We have a plan together, and we have to continue to improve day after day.”
Chelle also provided a fitness update, confirming Cyriel Dessers will be sidelined for 10–12 weeks, while Ryan Alebiosu is expected to return shortly.
I am disappointed for Dessers,” he said. “But we have to look forward and play a great game tomorrow.”
With Nigeria unbeaten in five meetings against Mozambique and winning their only previous AFCON encounter 3–0 in 2010, history and statistics point in the Super Eagles’ favour. But as both Chelle and Ndidi stressed, the numbers will count for nothing unless Nigeria deliver on the pitch in Fes.
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