Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde has urged Nigeria’s Super Eagles to prepare for an intense, do-or-die clash in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles face Mozambique on Monday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with both teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite Nigeria entering as clear favourites, Conde insists his side will approach the game with belief, discipline, and focus.
“We have shown that we have a strong and competent team,” Conde said. “Against Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon we missed the details, but now it’s kill-kill. Nigeria are favourites, but we face the game with humility, tranquility, and a lot of responsibility. We’ve come to this stage with respect, now we’re going to show what we can do.”
Mozambique reached the knockout stage after a challenging group campaign, which included a historic win over Gabon their first-ever victory at an Africa Cup of Nations following a narrow defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria, unbeaten in five meetings against the Mambas, are chasing another deep run as three-time champions. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are expected to spearhead the attack, while Wilfred Ndidi returns to midfield. Mozambique, making their fifth AFCON appearance, hope to pull off a memorable upset.
