The AFCON 2025 is now at its business end, as a loss now means an ejection from the tournament with no chance of rectification, Soccernet.ng reports.
Mali, Senegal, and host Morocco have already sealed a place in the final eight, while another five are set to join them after the round of 16 games.
Tomorrow, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with the Mambas of Mozambique at the Complexe de Fes, with kick-off slated for 8:00 PM WAT.
Soccernet.ng highlights five key players that could make a difference on the pitch for either side tomorrow.
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AFCON 2025: Five players to watch in Super Eagles clash against Mozambique
1. Victor Osimhen
The 2023 CAF Player of the Year played in all three of Nigeria’s group stage games, captaining his side in their 3-1 win over Uganda.
Although his goal record at the AFCON finals is not as good compared to other tournaments, the 27-year-old has what it takes to change a game in the blink of an eye.
2. Geny Catamo
The Mozambican right-winger is pacy and has a peach of a left foot that can strike the ball brilliantly. The Nigerian defence as a whole has to be on red alert against the 24-year-old, especially the left-back who’ll be running against him.
Catamao was involved in three goals for Chiquinho Conde’s men in the group stage, scoring two and creating another.
3. Reinildo Mandava
History maker, Reinildo became the first-ever Mozambican to feature in the English Premier League after he signed for AFC Sunderland in July 2025.
The 31-year-old can play as a wing-back, left-back and as a centre-back [the position he’s played the most since the start of AFCON 2025].
He’s played for Benfica, LOSC Lille, and Atletico Madrid, garnering enough experience and leadership to lead the Mozambique team from the back.
4. Ademola Lookman
Lookman loves the AFCON finals. The Atalanta attacker was involved in four goals for the Super Eagles in two group stage games, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
Overall, in 9 AFCON games, Lookman has scored five goals and provided three assists, and tomorrow will be another opportunity for him to add to his catalogue.
He was included in the AFCON Group Stage Best Eleven alongside Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle.
5. Alex Iwobi
While his praises might not be sung by many, or his name shining bright across billboard headlines, Iwobi is a key instrument in Eric Chelle’s setup.
His passing ability, largely, is cut above any other player in the Nigerian team, and the Mozambicans have to watch out for the ex-Arsenal player.