Nwabali Returns as Chelle Unveils Firepower for Mozambique Clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have signaled their intent for tonight’s AFCON 2025 Round of 16 showdown against Mozambique, with head coach Éric Chelle naming a star-studded starting XI. In a move that brings immediate relief to the Nigerian faithful, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns to the starting lineup. Nwabali, who was given a well-deserved rest during the final group match against Uganda, is expected to provide the veteran presence and shot-stopping reliability that defined Nigeria’s flawless group-stage run in Morocco.

Tactically, Chelle has reverted to his “big hitters” for this high-stakes knockout fixture at the Fez Stadium. The defensive line sees the return of the familiar quartet—Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi—tasked with neutralizing a Mozambique side making its historic first appearance in the AFCON knockout rounds. This backline has been the bedrock of a Nigerian defense that conceded sparingly during the opening rounds, and their discipline will be vital against the Mambas’ counter-attacking threat.

In the engine room, the Super Eagles welcome back the influential trio of captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi. Ndidi’s defensive screening and Iwobi’s creative spark were conspicuously absent in the rotated squad against Uganda, and their presence tonight suggests Chelle is looking to dominate possession from the opening whistle. Onyeka, who recently recovered from a minor ankle knock, has been cleared to provide the physical “bite” necessary to win the midfield battle.

The most anticipation, however, surrounds the attacking trident. Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, leads the line alongside the prolific Ademola Lookman and the physical Akor Adams. Lookman, who sat out the last game to avoid a yellow card suspension, returns to his role as the primary creative outlet on the flank. With Adams’ strength and Osimhen’s clinical finishing, the Super Eagles are fielding an offensive unit that led the tournament’s scoring charts with eight goals in the group stage.

The match, which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time, carries significant weight as the Super Eagles aim to secure their 18th AFCON quarter-final appearance. While the Mambas of Mozambique enter as underdogs, coach Chelle has warned his team against complacency, reminding them that knockout football “punishes the arrogant.” For Nigeria, the objective is clear: navigate this hurdle and set up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against either Algeria or the DR Congo.

Super Eagles XI vs Mozambique: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Akor, Osimhen.