The Super Eagles qualified for the Round of 16 with a perfect record after amassing nine points from three matches.
Under Malian coach Eric Chelle, they started off their campaign in Group C with a 2-1 win against Tanzania. Matchday two saw the Super Eagles produce a stunning 3-2 win against stubborn Tunisia before they they claimed a comfortable 3-1 win against Uganda.
Nigeria have now been drawn to face Mozambique in the knockout stages. The Mambas reached the stage following their 3-2 win against Gabon, a result that ultimately secured their progression.
Mozambique finished third in Group F with three points to make their first appearance in an AFCON knockout stage, while the win against the Panthers ended their 40-year wait for a victory at the AFCON finals.
Despite boosting a squad of star-studded players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi to mention but a few, Kerr - whose last coaching stint was with Marumo Gallants of Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa - is not convinced Nigeria have what it takes to be crowned the champions.
Nigeria lacking something
“Nigeria should have a good team but they didn’t qualify outright for the World Cup, so something must not be good on the side of their game,” the 58-year-old Kerr told Flashscore in an exclusive interview.
The Super Eagles missed out on a ticket to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing a tense penalty shootout (4-3) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the final African playoff match in Morocco, marking their second consecutive World Cup absence after missing the 2022 tournament.
Asked why Nigeria, with a 100 percent record, cannot win the AFCON, Kerr responded: “Not really, the good run in the group stage puts them under pressure because they have won all of them. Usually, the teams that struggle end up making the semi-finals and final.”
On whether Nigeria will go past Mozambique, he said: “You never know. It will be a tough game, and can go either way. I fancy Mozambique to give Nigeria a good game.”
Pressed further to reveal who he thinks will be crowned champions of 2025 edition, Kerr said: “Hard to tell. Cameroon will be a toughest tie for South Africa.
“Mozambique have done well. Egypt and Morocco secured easy qualifications, Sudan surprised me, Tunisia will face a tough game, and Morocco should beat Tanzania.”
On South Africa facing Cameroon, he said: “South Africa have not performed well in their last three matches, so that game (against Cameroon) will be interesting.”
He added: “Algeria versus DR Congo will be a good game, while I have a strong feeling Ivory Coast will win their game. Ivory Coast have a strong squad, but for me, Morocco are favourites to win the AFCON being the hosts.”
Kerr concluded: “But knockout stages are always interesting, it is the stage where the games become more tough, teams don’t want to lose because you lose and it ends your journey.
“Everyone cautious to attack and keep possession, or even score a goal and then defend that goal, it is at this stage when everything counts.”
The Round of 16 will kick off on Saturday with two matches lined up. Former African champions Senegal will face Sudan at Grand Stade de Tanger while Mali will entertain Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V.
Nigeria will face Mozambique on Monday at Fez Stadium.
Nigeria have won the AFCON three times: the first time was in 1980, the second in 1994 in Tunisia, and the third arrived in 2013 in South Africa.
