Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey and winger Samuel Chukwueze have both combined caution with confidence as Nigeria brace for tonight’s AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash in Fez against the Mambas of Mozambique.’
Bassey, who anchors the defence for both club and country, warned against complacency, stressing that no team can be taken for granted at this stage of the tournament.
“We cannot underestimate any team. Ten men Mali beat Tunisia with a complete side,” the Fulham centre-back said, adding that despite Nigeria’s star-studded squad, focus remains internal. “Yes, on paper we have all the big names but we are just focused on ourselves and sticking to the game plan.
“The objective is to keep a clean sheet. We must pay attention to details and improve in defence, not conceding some of the type of goals we have conceded,” Bassey noted.
He further praised the attackers for their contribution off the ball, saying, “The defence starts from the attack and they have been doing an amazing job. It must be a collective effort.”
On his part, Chukwueze expressed calm assurance within the camp, insisting the team is mentally and physically ready for the knockout challenge.
“We are very calm. We know where we are coming from and we are ready to face any team,” he said.
The Fulham forward concluded by reaffirming the squad’s commitment and hunger to progress further in the competition.
“We are ready to give everything because the boys are set,” Chukwueze added.
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