AFCON 2025: Ndidi Warns Against Underestimating Mozambique

AFCON 2025: Ndidi Warns Against Underestimating Mozambique

Sampson Adedeji

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has acknowledged the quality of Mozambique ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while stressing that the team’s primary focus remains on their own performance.

Nigeria will face the Mambas on Monday in Morocco after Mozambique progressed to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Southern Africans made history in the group phase by recording their first-ever AFCON victory, defeating Gabon, despite losing their other two matches.

Speaking at Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Ndidi described Mozambique as a disciplined and aggressive side that must not be taken lightly.

“They are a very good team. They want to play, they are very aggressive and they play as a unit,” Ndidi said. 

“We have watched their group-stage games and we know they fight. But the main focus is about us how we approach the game and how we want to play.”

The Leicester City midfielder added that no opponent deserves to be underrated at this stage of the competition.

“We are focused on our game, but they are a very good team. No team in this tournament should be underrated,” he concluded.

Monday’s encounter will be just the second AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Mozambique, with their previous clash coming during the group stage of the 2010 tournament.