Super Eagles aim for quarter-finals as they face Mozambique

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim to continue their good run in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Morocco, as they face Mozambique in a second-round tie this evening.

The bone of contention is a ticket for the quarter-finals, and the Super Eagles, though not underrating the Mambas, have set their sights on victory.

The Nigerians enjoyed a smooth sail into the knockout stage, having won all their Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, and are clearly the favourites to win Monday’s encounter.

Mozambique, who qualified as one of the third-best-placed teams emerging from Group D, will also fancy their chances of creating an upset by stopping the high-flying Eagles, though on paper, it looks like a huge mountain.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Éric Sekou Chelle has reiterated Nigeria’s determination to secure victory in the round-of-16 match and keep hopes of an AFCON triumph alive.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, are one of only two teams to record a perfect group-stage run at the tournament, winning all three matches.

Addressing journalists during his pre-match press conference, the Malian tactician stressed that the team’s immediate focus is solely on overcoming Mozambique and booking a place in the quarter-finals.

“For now, our attention is on Mozambique, and we are determined to win. Yes, there is pressure, but that is part of the job,” he said.