AFCON 2025: Lookman, Iwobi Return as Eric Chelle Names Strong XI to Face Mozambique
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed his starting line-up to face Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16
- Chelle reverted to a strong line-up after rotating against Uganda, with Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman returning to the team
- Nigeria approach the game with full focus and caution despite their superiority in quality to the Mambas of Mozambique
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed his starting line-up to face the Mambas of Mozambique in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.
Nigeria features in the knockout stage of AFCON for the 18th time in history, hoping to avoid a Round of curse after a perfect group stage campaign, which happened in 2021.
Source: Twitter
As noted by NFF, Third-placed Tunisia eliminated the Super Eagles, which finished first in their group, in the Round of 16 under the guidance of Augustine Eguavoen.
Eric Chelle’s XI to face Mozambique
As seen in Super Eagles' official X account, Eric Chelle has confirmed his starting line-up against Mozambique at Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Chelle reversed all the changes he made to the team against the Cranes of Uganda from the line-up that beat the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 2-1.
Stanley Nwabali returns in goal in place of Francis Uzoho, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi return to the defence in place of Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu.
Chelle's favoured midfield trio of captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka takes centre stage over the impressive Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
2024 Africa Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman returns in attack, and is joined by Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, both of whom featured against Uganda, sending Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze to the bench.
Legit.ng earlier predicted the lineup and was spot on with what was going on in Eric Chelle's mind for the crucial match against Mozambique.
Source: Getty Images
Full line-up: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.
Read also
Victor Osimhen shines with brace as Super Eagles defeat Mozambique 4-0 in AFCON Round of 16
Mozambique XI: Ernan; Bruno Langa, Reinildo Mandava, Edson Mexer, Diogo Calila; Alfons Amade, Guima; Witi, Domingues Pelembe, Geny Catamo; Faisal Abdul Bangal.
Meanwhile, Nigeria vs Mozambique’s kickoff at Complexe Sportif de Fes was delayed for about four minutes and extra matchballs were tossed onto the pitch for the players to keep warm.
According to the London Evening Standard, the Mozambique net had a hole, which was signalled to the referee to delay kickoff as all was not in perfect condition.
A groundsman quickly adjusted and taped it up, allowing the match to proceed with Mozambique getting the match underway in Fez.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique
Legit.ng reported where to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Nigerian audiences will have the match broadcast on SuperSport channels on DStv and GoTV, while for francophone Africans, it is available on Canal+ Afrique.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
