Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has cautioned Nigeria against underestimating Mozambique ahead of their Round of 16 encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting the Mambas pose a serious tactical threat. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh warned that complacency could prove costly for the Super Eagles.

“I'm not going to go into details but one thing I will tell you is this, anybody that underrates Mozambique should be ready to pick up the flight ticket back home,” Oliseh said. 

He described Mozambique as a well-organised and dangerous team, stressing that victory would require discipline and focus from the Nigerian side.

“This is a very good team and winning this team should further boost our self-belief. Tactically, what is going to come at Super Eagles is not going to be easy,” he added. 

Oliseh also weighed in on Victor Osimhen’s struggles in front of goal at the tournament, with the former Napoli striker having scored just once so far. 

While acknowledging the importance of goals for a striker, Oliseh praised Osimhen’s overall contribution to the team.

“Well, he wants to score and I think it is in his best interest that he scores goals. But what he's been doing that I find very interesting is that and especially the last game, he was looking to be more collective,” Oliseh explained.  

According to Oliseh, Osimhen’s willingness to link up play and create opportunities for teammates is a positive sign for Nigeria’s overall performance.

“He was looking to find ways to play and I think that's good. Look at the last championship, he scored only one goal and we got to the final. If he's going to score one goal now and Nigeria gets to the final then let him score just that one goal,” he concluded. 

As Nigeria brace for a crucial knockout encounter, Osimhen will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch as the Super Eagles aim to secure a positive result and book their place in the quarterfinals.

Adeyemi Adewale