The Super Eagles of Nigeria are intensifying preparations for their crucial Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set for Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco. Having concluded a flawless Group C campaign by winning all three matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, Nigeria has firmly established itself as one of the tournament favorites. The team's media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that 25 players participated in Friday evening’s training session as head coach Eric Chelle shifts focus entirely to the knockout encounter.

Key injury updates have emerged from the Super Eagles camp. Defender Ryan Alebiosu, who made his AFCON debut against Uganda, was present at training but did not participate fully as he continues recovery from a deep cut to his right leg. Initial fears suggested a month-long layoff, but subsequent scans have allayed these concerns, confirming the injury is not serious and he is expected to miss only a couple of weeks, remaining with the squad. Conversely, Panathinaikos FC striker Cyriel Dessers has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury and has returned to his club. Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi was also absent from full training due to illness, specifically a cold. Significantly, star forward Victor Osimhen's absence from Thursday and Friday training sessions was attributed to a workload-management plan by the coaching staff, rather than an injury, as he has been a standout performer, starting all three group matches and captaining the side against Uganda.

Despite Nigeria’s impressive group-stage performances, Head Coach Eric Chelle has urged his players to mentally reset as the tournament enters its most critical phase, emphasizing that past results count for little in the knockout rounds. Chelle has made tactical adjustments, which former captain Sunday Oliseh lauded, particularly the team's improved organization, compactness, and ability to thwart opposition attacks during the 3-1 victory over Uganda. Oliseh specifically stated, "The last game the Super Eagles played, after the noise against Tunisia, and how well they didn't play against Tanzania, against Uganda, was the best game I've seen them play in a long time." To ensure total concentration and limit distractions, Chelle implemented closed-door training sessions on Thursday and Friday, prioritizing preparation over external noise.

Regarding the team's financial situation, reassuring reports indicate that Eric Chelle's salary obligations have been fully settled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including his January 2026 pay, along with match bonuses and daily camp allowances. The Nigerian government has also reportedly released ₦3 billion to support the AFCON campaign. However, a significant concern remains as Super Eagles players are still awaiting their tournament bonuses, including a negotiated $30,000-per-player reward for reaching the Round of 16, with no appearance or win bonuses having been paid since the competition began. The NFF is reportedly expecting additional funds to meet these rising costs.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles' opponents, Mozambique, are also highly motivated. President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique has announced an extraordinary incentive: each player and technical staff member will receive a bonus of 500,000 meticais (over 11 million naira) should the Mambas secure a historic place in the quarterfinals. This achievement would mark Mozambique's first-ever progression to the quarter-finals of AFCON, a milestone praised by President Chapo for its national pride.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has issued a strong warning, advising Nigeria to tighten its defense ahead of the clash, stressing that knockout matches leave no room for errors. While acknowledging the team's overall performance and squad depth, Lawal specifically pointed out Mozambique's speed and danger on the break. Sunday Oliseh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the priority in knockout games is not conceding goals. Nigeria, as one of only two teams to win all their group games and a three-time African champion, is firmly installed as one of the favorites to win AFCON 2025, with aspirations to replicate their 2013 triumph.