AFCON 2025: 2013 champion tells Super Eagles how to beat Mozambique and win competition

Former Nigeria national team forward Brown Ideye has tipped the Super Eagles on how to navigate the round of 16 clash against Mozambique and subsequent knockout ties.

The 37-year-old has firsthand experience winning the AFCON, having starred in Stephen Keshi’s side that triumphed in the 2013 edition. He leveraged his know-how during a recent appearance on the Home Turf Podcast to tip the current crop of players.

Ideye said that the Super Eagles can no longer be conservative in any phase of play, urging them to go for the kill from kick-off till the final whistle. He explained that the knockout stage was about maintaining a high level of intensity and while he acknowledged the physical toll required,   he implored the team to find the energy to execute.

“The knockout phase is different from the group stage,” he said. “Get it running from the first minute, and the pace you start the game with is what you should end it with.

“I know it is difficult because you can start the game strong, but at the end, you might not have the same energy due to tiredness or fatigue, but we don't have any chances. 

“We don't have space to play in three days to avoid any mistakes. Hit the ground running and bang those goals. More than one goal; if you can score five, do it.”

Raphael Onyedika’s man-of-the-match performance from the victory against Uganda has led to suggestions that he become a permanent fixture in the starting line-up. However, Ideye disagrees, advising Chelle to resist changes.

“I don't think Chelle should change anything. I think the players coming off the bench are what he has to work on. Put in the right players and do so at the right time,” he added. “Let the players blend in perfectly to get the team the perfect results.”