AFCON 2025: Mozambique Plot Nigeria Upset As Guimarães Talks Up Mambas’ Chances

Mozambique midfielder Ricardo Guimarães believes the Mambas can spring a surprise against Nigeria by targeting the Super Eagles’ weaknesses when both sides meet in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco at 8 p.m. today.

Nigeria, which finished top of Group C with a flawless three wins from three, will stay put at the Fez Stadium for the knockout tie against a Mozambique side making their first-ever appearance in the AFCON round of 16.

The Mambas squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams after a dramatic 3-2 win over Gabon, despite defeats to holders Ivory Coast and five-time champions Cameroon. Having emerged from a demanding group with four goals scored and five conceded, Guimarães, 30, insists Mozambique are ready to test the tournament favourites.

“We know that Nigeria have a good team, but we have our weapons too as a team, and we are working to beat Nigeria,” Guimarães said ahead of the clash.

“Every team has its weak points, and we have identified them to beat Nigeria. It’s a knockout game and maybe emotions can define the game.

“Our team is together, and that can be the difference between other teams and us. That is why we are improving gradually. We have made history before and we are making history now.”

Reports from Mozambique suggest the stakes have been raised further. President Daniel Francisco Chapo is said to have rallied the squad with a significant incentive ahead of the showdown.

According to Jornal Notícias, President Chapo has promised an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais, about ₦11.3 million, for each player and member of the coaching staff if they defeat Nigeria and reach the quarter-finals.

Monday’s encounter will be only the second time both nations meet at the AFCON. Their previous tournament meeting came in 2010, when Nigeria ran out 3-0 winners thanks to a brace from Peter Odemwingie and another strike from Obafemi Martins.

Overall, the Super Eagles have dominated the head-to-head record, remaining unbeaten in five meetings with four wins and one draw.