AFCON: Chukwueze vows Nigeria will approach Mozambique with respect

Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze says the Super Eagles will approach their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash against the Mambas of Mozambique as if it were a final.

 

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​The knockout stage features the unbeaten Super Eagles taking on Mozambique—who progressed as one of the best third-placed teams—at the Stade de Fès in Morocco on Monday.

​Speaking to journalists after training on Sunday, Chukwueze emphasized that the Mambas are a formidable side and every player is ready to contribute.

“We are getting ready for it. As you can see, the players and the technical staff are ready to give everything tomorrow. Mozambique is a good side, so I think everyone—from the starters to the bench—is ready to give their all when called upon.

They are a good team. No, not a small team in Africa. We have to give them the respect they deserve. They have fantastic players, also. They play in so many big clubs. We are not letting them down. We have to face them the way they are going to face us. We have to give everything, as if it’s finals.”

Chukwueze also noted that head coach Éric Chelle is leaving no stone unturned, with the team specifically practicing penalties.

“Since this week, we have been practicing penalties. In every training session, we have been working on them. This time around, we are ready for anything.”

 

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Nigeria will be facing Mozambique for only the second time in AFCON history. Their first meeting took place during the 2010 group stage.