AFCON 2025: Sunday Oliseh Tells Super Eagles What To Do Against Mozambique

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has urged Nigeria to approach their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 meeting with Mozambique with caution, insisting that the knockout stage leaves no room for complacency.

Nigeria will face Mozambique on Monday night with a place in the quarter-finals of the AFCON at stake.

While the Super Eagles are widely seen as favourites, Sunday Oliseh believes the team must show the same hunger and intensity displayed in their final group game against Uganda.

Speaking on Global Football Insight, the former midfielder reminded the players that reputations count for little once the tournament reaches the knockout phase.

“Every team is under pressure now at this knockout stage. The Super Eagles have to look at it this way that nobody in the Round of 16 is a weak team. You cannot afford to take them for granted,” Oliseh said.

He stressed that Nigeria must set the tone early and avoid giving Mozambique any encouragement.

“That is why the Mozambique game must be taken seriously from the beginning. The players need to play with the same spirit they did in the last game against Uganda, particularly,” he added.

Oliseh acknowledged Nigeria’s advantage on paper, especially as Mozambique progressed from the group stage as a third-placed team, but warned that such details should not distract the players from the task ahead.

“The Super Eagles are the clear favourite to win the game because Mozambique finished third in their group. So not much stress, just play your game and try to qualify,” he said.

Still, the former captain made it clear that underestimating the opposition could have serious consequences.

“Anybody who underrates Mozambique should be ready to pick up the flight ticket back home. This is a very good team, and winning this team should further boost our belief tactically,” Oliseh added.