AFCON 2025: Calvin Bassey Calls For Defensive Discipline As Super Eagles Face Mozambique

Calvin Bassey has urged Nigeria to cut out lapses at the back as the Super Eagles turn their attention to Monday’s round of 16 clash with Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nigeria swept through Group C with three wins from three matches, but the campaign was not without concern. Despite finishing top, the Super Eagles conceded four goals, leaving questions over their defensive solidity ahead of the knockout stages.

They were caught out early by Tanzania in their opening fixture before an Ademola Lookman winner settled the contest. Against Tunisia, Nigeria raced into a three-goal lead only to face late pressure in a 3-2 victory, while Uganda grabbed a consolation in the final group game.

Bassey, who has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers over the past year, said the players are determined to address those issues as the competition intensifies.

“We always want to keep clean sheets. It’s something Semi and I talk about among the central defenders, and if you look at most of the games, it’s just little details,” Bassey said after Sunday’s training session.

“We are making sure that going into the next stages, we don’t concede those types of goals, and it’s a collective effort.”

He added: “Just like the attack starts from us, the defence also starts from the guys up front. They have been doing amazing, but we can do more. It’s just those little details.”

The Fulham defender also warned against taking Mozambique lightly. The Mambas booked their place in the round of 16 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and are making history by reaching this stage for the first time.

“We can’t underestimate any team. On paper, we have the big names, but we are focusing on ourselves to make sure we execute the game perfectly,” Bassey said.

Monday’s encounter will be only the second AFCON meeting between the two sides. Their first came in 2010, when Nigeria claimed a 3-0 victory thanks to a brace from Peter Odemwingie and another goal from Obafemi Martins.