Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has insisted Nigeria will not underestimate Mozambique when both sides meet in the round of 16 of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday at the Fez Stadium.
Nigeria topped Group C and were drawn against Mozambique, who finished third in Group F and advanced to the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.
Both teams will be aiming for a place in the quarter-finals, with the Super Eagles widely regarded as favourites on paper due to their pedigree and experience. Nigeria are ranked 38th in the world, compared to Mozambique’s 102nd, but Bassey has warned against complacency.
Speaking to reporters after the team’s final training session, the influential defender stressed the importance of focus and execution.
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“You never underestimate any team. A perfect example is the Tunisia versus Mali game. Tunisia had 11 players, Mali had 10, and Mali still won,” Bassey said.
“On paper, we have the big names, but we have to focus on ourselves. It’s about doing everything right and executing the game plan – that’s the most important thing for us.”
The Super Eagles are yet to keep a clean sheet in their first three matches at the tournament, and Bassey admitted that lapses in concentration and communication have cost the team defensively.
“Of course, you always want a clean sheet. It’s something Semi (Ajayi) and I have talked about as centre-backs. When you look at the goals we’ve conceded, it’s down to small details – communication, positioning, and focus,” he explained.
“As we go into the knockout stages, we have to make sure we don’t concede those types of goals. We can do better by fixing the little details.”
Bassey has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at AFCON 2025, but he will be cautious after picking up a yellow card in the final group game. Another booking against Mozambique would rule him out of the quarter-finals should the Super Eagles progress.
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