Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has said his side are ready to chase history for their country as they prepare to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Monday night’s Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Mambas go into the knockout tie as underdogs against three-time African champions Nigeria, who topped Group C with a perfect record. But Conde insists his players are motivated by the chance to achieve something unprecedented for Mozambican football.
Nigeria arrived at this stage in commanding fashion, winning all three group games against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, and establishing themselves as one of the early pace-setters of the tournament.
Mozambique, by contrast, advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams, but have already rewritten their own history at AFCON 2025.
Their dramatic 3-2 victory over Gabon in the group stage was the first Africa Cup of Nations win in the country’s history and also secured their first-ever qualification for the knockout rounds.
Progressing beyond Nigeria would elevate this team into uncharted territory and, as Conde admits, cement their status as the most successful side the nation has produced.
“We are humble and we respect our opponent,” Conde said at the pre-match press conference.
“But we also have the ambition of making history for our people. We want to write our names in capital letters in Mozambique football history.
“This is a big opportunity for us to play against a fantastic and big opponent. There’s nothing like beating a big team like that.”
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Mozambique's Conde: ‘Nigeria’s strongest strength is their attack’
While ambition drives Mozambique, Conde is clear-eyed about the scale of the challenge his side face against a Nigeria team brimming with attacking quality.
The Super Eagles finished the group stage as the tournament’s most prolific scorers, netting eight goals across three matches, with six different players contributing. Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika scored twice each, while Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu all found the net.
Conde acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking depth as their greatest weapon, while outlining the tactical discipline his team must show to stay competitive.
“I try to share these values with my players, which is to score goals, because that's how you win games. You also have to give a big show. At the same time, if you defend well, you can win championships or progress to the next round,” Conde said.
“We have to defend well to be able to attack better. We have fantastic players in the attacking line who can decide the result of the game at any time. But we also know that Nigeria’s strongest strength is their attack.”
The former Sporting CP striker stressed that defensive organisation must be collective, warning that even small lapses could prove costly.
“If we are not well focused and well positioned defensively, it will be very difficult. It doesn’t mean only the defenders have to do the job. We need the whole system to work, with very good organisation from the beginning.
“For us to be able to do this, the players must be calm, with no pressure. They shouldn't be scared to make mistakes. They just need to play football, have fun and make the fans enjoy the game.
“A happy player wins all the time. When I look at my players and see them happy, I become calm because I know they will be able to deliver.”
History, however, favours Nigeria. The Super Eagles have never lost to Mozambique, winning four of their five meetings, including a 3-0 victory at AFCON 2010. Their most recent clash, a friendly in October 2023, ended 3-2 in Nigeria’s favour.
Monday night’s winner will move on to the quarter-finals, where either Algeria or DR Congo await in Marrakesh on Saturday, January 10.
