Mozambique president Daniel Francisco Chapo has congratulated Mozambique's national football team, the Mambas, for qualifying for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Mambas set up a meeting with one of the most impressive teams at the Africa Cup of Nations so far, Nigeria, after finishing third in Group F despite a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in their final group match.

In a message issued on January 1, 2026, and addressed to the Mozambique players and coaching staff, the Head of State praised the team's showing in the group stage,

President Chapo described the achievement as unprecedented and meritorious, noting that it filled the nation with pride.

Speaking on behalf of the Mozambican people, he commended the players and coaching staff for their courage, discipline and determination, which enabled the team to reach a new milestone on the continental stage.

According to Jornal Notícias, to motivate the Mambas, president Chapo announced an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais (approximately N11.3 million in Nigerian currency) for each player and member of the coaching staff should they beat the Super Eagles and advance to the quarterfinals of the Afcon.

He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands behind the team and expressed confidence in their ability to overcome Nigeria.

Nigeria and Mozambique will lock horns at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: fmf.co.mz