Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has promised every player and member of the national team’s technical staff a bonus of 500,000 meticais equivalent to approximately N11.3 million if the Mambas defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The announcement, made in an official message to the team on Thursday, comes as motivation ahead of a daunting knockout clash against one of the tournament’s standout sides. Mozambique secured their place in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing Group F behind Cameroon and another qualifier, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Indomitable Lions in their final group fixture.
President Chapo praised the squad’s historic achievement in reaching the knockout stage, describing it as unprecedented and a source of immense national pride. Speaking on behalf of all Mozambicans, he commended the players and coaching crew for displaying courage, discipline, and determination throughout the group phase.
According to Mozambique’s state-owned newspaper Jornal Notícias, the Head of State declared the extraordinary bonus to spur the team to an even greater feat. “Should they beat the Super Eagles and advance to the quarter-finals, each player and member of the coaching staff will receive 500,000 meticais,” the president announced, reaffirming that the entire country stands firmly behind the Mambas and expressing full confidence in their ability to overcome Nigeria.
The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kick-off set for 8:00 pm local time.
This is only the latest chapter in Mozambique’s gradual rise on the continental stage. The Mambas have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations on five previous occasions – 1986, 1996, 1998, 2010, and 2023 – but had never progressed beyond the group stage until this tournament. Their campaign in Morocco has already marked a significant milestone, with the team showing resilience to accumulate enough points despite a final-day loss to Cameroon.
Nigeria, in contrast, have been among the tournament’s most impressive performers. The three-time champions – victors in 1980, 1994, and 2013 – breezed through their group with commanding displays, conceding few goals and demonstrating the depth and quality expected of a perennial contender. Under their current coaching setup, the Super Eagles have blended experienced stars with emerging talents, making them firm favourites to go deep into the competition.
Historical head-to-head records heavily favour Nigeria. The two sides have met four times in competitive fixtures, with the Super Eagles winning three and drawing one. Their most recent encounter came during qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Nigeria secured convincing victories home and away. Mozambique’s lone positive result against Nigeria remains a goalless draw in the 1990s.
The financial incentive announced by President Chapo underscores the importance Mozambique attaches to the match. At current exchange rates, 500,000 meticais translates to roughly N11.3 million per individual, a substantial sum that could prove transformative for players largely plying their trade in domestic or regional leagues. Such presidential interventions are not uncommon in African football; several heads of state have offered significant bonuses to galvanise national teams during major tournaments.
For Nigeria, the round of 16 tie represents the first real test after a relatively comfortable group stage. The Super Eagles will be wary of underestimating opponents who have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Mozambique’s disciplined defensive organisation and sporadic counter-attacking threat have already troubled stronger sides in the group phase, and the added motivation of a presidential bounty could make them even more dangerous.
Football analysts note that knockout matches at this stage often hinge on fine margins a moment of individual brilliance, a set-piece, or sheer determination. With national pride and substantial rewards on the line, the Mambas will enter the fixture in Fès believing an upset is possible.
