Samuel Chukwueze has urged Nigeria to maintain high standards as the Super Eagles prepare for their decisive Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 encounter against Mozambique, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Villarreal winger insists that the three-time African champions remain fully focused on their title ambitions, despite the challenge posed by the Mambas.
Nigeria will face Mozambique on Monday night in Fes with a place in the AFCON quarter-finals at stake. While the Super Eagles are widely regarded as favourites, Chukwueze has stressed the importance of discipline, respect, and maximum commitment.
One of Nigeria’s standout performers in the group stage, the winger spoke during the team’s final training session on Sunday, highlighting the calm confidence within the squad as they head into the knockout phase.
“We must approach it like a final”
Chukwueze emphasised that Nigeria’s approach must reflect the expectations placed on them, regardless of their opponents’ status.
“We have to give Mozambique the respect they deserve and focus on our own game. We have already set the standard from the group stage, and now we must give everything—approaching the match as if it were a final—because we are expected to win,” he said.
The 26-year-old also pointed to the unity and readiness within the Super Eagles camp, suggesting that head coach Eric Chelle has a fully committed squad to choose from.
“We are very calm. We know where we have come from and we know we are ready to face anything. The players starting the match and those coming off the bench are all ready to give everything. It does not matter who we are playing—the team is ready,” Chukwueze added.
Nigeria’s confidence is backed by their performances so far in the tournament, with Chukwueze emerging as one of the side’s most influential creative outlets.
In two starts, he has averaged 74 minutes per game and provided two assists—both coming in Nigeria’s 3-1 group-stage victory over Uganda. In that match, he created five chances and completed seven line-breaking passes, the highest numbers recorded in the game.
The winger has now registered four goal involvements across 16 AFCON appearances, with this tournament marking the first time he has managed more than one in a single edition.
His efficiency in possession has also stood out, completing 93 percent of his passes overall, with a perfect success rate in his own half and 90 percent accuracy in the opposition half.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s momentum, Chukwueze said:
“As you can see from the last three games, the team is prepared to push and ensure that we achieve our objective.”
The round-of-16 clash will be played at the Fez Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00 pm EAT.
Nigeria are chasing a fourth continental crown, while Mozambique are making their first-ever appearance in the AFCON knockout stages.
