Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has cautioned his teammates against underestimating Mozambique ahead of their quarterfinal showdown scheduled for Monday, stressing that focus and discipline will be key to progressing in the competition.

In an interview with the Super Eagles media team, the Fulham centre-back emphasized that reputation alone does not win matches, pointing to recent surprises at the tournament.

“Never underestimate any team, you can't underestimate any team,” he said. “Look at yesterday's game, Tunisia had eleven men and Mali had ten men they beat them.”

Despite Nigeria being regarded as one of the tournament favourites, Bassey insisted the team remains grounded and focused on executing their game plan.

“On paper, we have all the big names but for us we are focused on ourselves and making sure that we do everything right and making sure that we execute the game plan and that's the most important thing for us,” he explained.

The defender stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet, revealing that he has discussed it with fellow centre-back Semi Ajayi, noting the importance of communication and attention to detail at the back.

“Of course, you always want to keep a clean sheet. It is something me and Semi {Ajayi}, we talk about,” Bassey said. 

“Obviously being the central defenders and organizing and I think if you look at most of the games, it is just little details, little communication, one step, and it is just to make sure that going into the next stage we don't concede that type of goal.”

Bassey added that defending is a collective responsibility, praising the contributions of the entire team.

“It is a collective effort and the defense starts from the boys in front, they have been doing amazing, we can do more but it's just little details that we can improve upon.”

Meanwhile, winger Samuel Chukwueze echoed Bassey’s confidence and calmness within the squad, stating that the players are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We are very calm, we know where we came from and we are ready to face any team,” he said. 

“The players from the start to the bench everybody is ready to give everything.”

The AC Milan loanee added that the Super Eagles’ recent performances reflect their determination to achieve their goal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It doesn't matter who we play, I think the team is ready, as you can see from the last three games, the team is ready to push through, to make sure we get our goal this AFCON.”

Nigeria are yet to record a clean sheet at the ongoing tournament, having conceded four goals in three group-stage matches. 

Ahead of the clash against Mozambique, the Eagles will be aiming to tighten up defensively and put in a more solid all-round performance.

Adeyemi Adewale