Chukwueze charges teammates ahead knockout stage News

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Chukwueze charges teammates ahead knockout stage

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 5, 2026

Samuel Chukwueze has urged Nigeria to maintain the standards set during the group stage as the Super Eagles prepare to face Mozambique in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking on Sunday during Nigeria’s final training session ahead of the knockout encounter, the winger stressed the importance of focus and respect for the opposition, while insisting that the Super Eagles must approach the game with maximum commitment.

“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,” Chukwueze said.

The Fulham forward also highlighted the calm atmosphere within the camp, pointing to the collective readiness of the squad regardless of individual roles on matchday.

“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,” he added.

Nigeria’s confidence is supported by their performances in the group stage, where Chukwueze has been one of the team’s standout creative outlets.

In two starts, he has averaged 74 minutes per game and provided two assists, both of which came in the 3–1 victory over Uganda.

That match saw him create five chances and complete seven line-breaking passes, the highest figures recorded in the game.

Chukwueze 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 on the ball has also been notable, completing 93 per cent of his passes overall, with a perfect success rate in his own half and 90 per cent accuracy in the opposition half.

Reflecting on the team’s momentum, the winger said, “As you can see from the last three games, the team is prepared to push and ensure that we achieve our objective.”

Nigeria continue their quest for a fourth continental title against a Mozambique side who have reached the knockout phase of the competition for the first time.

The round of 16 clash will be played at the Fez Stadium today, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm Nigerian time.

It will be only the second meeting between both teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles determined to carry their group stage form into the decisive stages of the tournament.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 5, 2026