The eighth final of the Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria, the reigning African vice-champion, and Mozambique is shaping up, on paper, as one of the most unbalanced posters of this first knockout round. The Super Eagles, impressive since the beginning of the tournament, approach this appointment with the costume of great favorite.
Carried by his two African Ballons d’Or, Viktor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024), Nigeria has achieved a faultless course in the group stage. Strong defensively, sharply sharp and confident of their collective strength, the Nigerians clearly showed their ambitions: nothing but the continental trophy. Unhappy finalists in the last edition, Osimhen and his teammates want to go all the way and mark the history of African football.
In front, Mozambique has nothing to lose. Qualified as the best third behind Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, the Mambas showed a fighting face despite two short defeats against the Elephants (1-0) and the Indomitable Lions (2-1). Their spectacular victory against Gabon (3-2) in the group stage allowed them to stay alive and maintain the hope of a resounding feat.
Aware of the scale of the challenge, the Mozambicans will try to play their luck against the Nigerian ogre. But between the experience of the high competition, the depth of staff and the offensive armada that Nigeria has, the gap seems difficult to bridge. Unless huge surprise, the Super Eagles have all the cards in hand to continue on their way and confirm their status as a serious contender for the continental coronation.
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