Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka previewed Nigeria's strategy against Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16, emphasizing squad competition and tactical sharpness to secure a quarter-final spot.
The Brentford star highlighted intense internal rivalry fueling performances, saying coach Eric Chelle's closed training sessions preserve surprises for the Mambas. Expect returns of Stanley Nwabali in goal, Ademola Lookman up top with Victor Osimhen, and Wilfred Ndidi anchoring midfield alongside Alex Iwobi for balanced control. Onyeka stressed knockout mentality: "Group phase done; now it's kill or be killed no room for 2021 repeats."
Chelle's setup blends 4-4-2 solidity with 4-3-3 attacking flair, prioritizing high press, central possession, and rapid counters to exploit Mozambique's backline of Nené and Reinildo. Samuel Chukwueze adds wing pace, while the three-time champs aim to extend their knockout pedigree despite the Mambas' historic debut run.
Social media dissects lineups with fervor.
- "Onyeka + Ndidi engine room = Mozambique parking the bus fails 😂" – Midfield combo hype.facebook
- "Chelle hiding formations? Smart vs Conde's kill-kill talk" – Nod to secrecy.soccernet
- "Lookman/Osimhen duo go feast 8 goals group stage incoming!" – Attack predictions trend. Nation braces for January 5 thriller at Fès.pulsesports+1